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Muslims around the globe observe the holy month of Ramadan every year, a period of deep spiritual reflection and fasting.
The festival begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which usually appears one night after a new moon. In 2024, Ramadan began on Sunday 10 March.
One of the five pillars of Islam – along with faith, prayer, charity, and the pilgrimage – Ramadan commemorates the Quran first being revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, a sacred moment honoured with abstinence between sunrise and sunset.
The month of Ramadan sees Muslims all over the world fasting and praying, before breaking their fast at sundown alongside family and friends.
Here’s a look at what the ritual means for Muslims, why worshippers fast, and why the date alters from one year to another.
What is Ramadan?
Chapter 2, Verse 185 of the Quran explains the purpose of the ritual: “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong).
“And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days.
“Allah desires for your ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.”
The word of Allah is said to have been revealed to the prophet on “Laylat al-Qadr” (the Night of Power).
The tablets of Ibrahim, the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran were sent down on the 1st, 6th, 12th, 13th and 24th days of Ramadan, according to the faith.
There are a few ways to greet someone who’s celebrating Ramadan this year. A saying familiar to many Muslims around the globe is, ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ which simply means ‘Blessed Ramadan’. Another commonly used term is, ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which translates to ‘Generous Ramadan’, both terms are from Arabic origins.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan begins on Sunday 10 March 2024 and is expected to conclude on Tuesday 9 April 2024, meaning Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on Wednesday 10 April 2024.
Why does the date vary each year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning each month begins with a new astronomical moon. As lunar months are shorter than solar, the Islamic calendar does not correspond with the Gregorian calendar followed in the West, so that means Ramadan occurs around 10 days earlier every year.
The period takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic year. Its precise date also varies from country to country by about a day, depending on when the moon is sighted.
Followers of the faith are encouraged to check the precise timings of sunrise and sunset with their local mosques to ensure the fast is not inadvertently broken prematurely.
Why do Muslims fast?
Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to prayer and reading the Quran. Generosity and giving to worthy causes and neighbours are encouraged.
It is a period for reflection, self-restraint, and warmth intended to bring Muslims closer to Allah, hence the abstention from earthly distractions like food and water, cigarettes, and sexual activity during daylight hours. A modest meal is taken before dawn known as “suhoor” and after dusk known as “iftar” but nothing whatsoever is consumed in between, not even water.
Fasting during Ramadan is a requirement for all Muslims from a young age, in some cases beginning as early as 10.
Those who are too ill to fast can be exempted if participating would mean endangering their health, as can the elderly, those suffering from a mental illness, those who are travelling, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is the “festival of the breaking of the fast” and marks the end of Ramadan every year.
Muslims wish each other a happy Eid during the celebrations by saying “Eid Mubarak” and gathering with family and friends to feast and pray together.
The festival, which can last for up to three days, also sees people donating to charity as part of the celebrations.