Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and is a time when Muslims strive to strengthen their faith and practices. This year, Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 10th and conclude on the evening of Tuesday, April 9th.
Ramadan/Eid al-Fitr 2024 Date
Eid al-Fitr is the joyous holiday marking the end of the Ramadan fasting month and welcoming the next lunar month. As Ramadan 2024 is forecast to conclude in the evening of Tuesday, April 9th, Eid al-Fitr 2024 celebrations will likely commence that night or the following morning on Wednesday, April 10th. This date is an approximation based on predictions and will be confirmed by moon sightings closer to the start of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar beginning after 29 or 30 days of fasting.
The Start of the Holy Month
Ramadan begins each year when the crescent moon is first sighted. As it’s based on a lunar calendar, the dates shift approximately 11 days earlier every year. For 2024, the month will start on the evening of March 10th, meaning the first full day of fasting in Ramadan 2024 will be on Monday, March 11th. Muslims mark the beginning of Ramadan with prayers, meals with family and friends, and contemplation as they prepare for a month of heightened spiritual consciousness and self-discipline. The Ramadan 2024 is forecast to conclude in the evening of Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.
Fasting and Spiritual Reflection
A key part of observing Ramadan is fasting from sunrise to sunset, called sawm in Arabic. By abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs throughout the daylight hours, Muslims redirect their focus toward prayer, charity and spiritual growth. Many will wake up before dawn to eat the prefast meal called suhoor, then break their fast after sunset with iftar meals, often in community settings. The act of fasting allows Muslims to practice patience, humility and control over their desires while identifying with less fortunate members of society.
Community and Celebration
In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a time spent increasing Islamic practices like prayer, charity and Quran recitation. Families and communities also celebrate each evening with gatherings to share meals, reflect on spiritual growth and show appreciation for blessings. One of the most festive nights is Laylet al-Qadr near the end of Ramadan, which commemorates the night Muslims believe the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Muhammad. Eid al-Fitr marks the joyful end of Ramadan with worship, gatherings, gift-giving and charity on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawwal. For 2024, Eid celebrations are forecast to begin Tuesday evening, April 9th.
From its beginning expected on the evening of March 10th through Eid celebrations forecast for April 9th 2024 evening, Ramadan promises Muslims worldwide a month of exponential spiritual blessing. Through fasting and increased devotion, Muslims will step outside of worldly pursuits to practice patience, empathy and self-discipline while communing with Allah and celebrating each moment with gratitude. With communal charity efforts and prayers, Ramadan centers around reflecting inwardly and giving outwardly during a key period of renewal in the Islamic faith.
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