Ramadan 2024: When does it begin and what are the rules?
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is celebrated as the time when the Prophet Muhammad is said to have received the Quran.
Muslims all across the world will start celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, which is an annual time for intense spiritual contemplation and fasting.
The crescent moon, which typically rises one night after a new moon, is seen to mark the start of the celebration. The first day of Ramadan in 2024 is Sunday, March 10. One of the five pillars of Islam, along with faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage, is Ramadan, which marks the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's first receiving of the Quran. This holy day is observed by fasting from sunrise to sunset.
Muslims around the world will fast and pray during the month of Ramadan, breaking their fast with loved ones at dusk.
Here are some explanations of the significance of the ceremony for Muslims, the reasons behind the fast, and why the date varies every year.
What is Ramadan?
The Quran, in Chapter 2, Verse 185, states that the objective of the ritual is to "reveal the Quran during the month of Ramadan; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong).
"And whomever is here, let him fast for the entire month; whoever is ill or traveling, let them fast for several more days.
"May Allah grant you ease; He does not wish for hardship for you. Completing the period and giving thanks to Allah for guiding you are the things that Allah desires."
The prophet is supposed to have received revelations from Allah on "Laylat al-Qadr" (the Night of Power).
On the first, sixth, twelfth, thirteenth, and twenty-fourth days of Ramadan, according to the faith, the tablets of Ibrahim, the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran were sent down.
There are several methods to say "hi" to someone who is participating in this year's Ramadan. "Ramadan Mubarak" is a well-known proverb among Muslims worldwide, meaning "Blessed Ramadan." Another Arabic-derived phrase that is frequently used is "Ramadan Kareem," which means "Generous Ramadan."
When is Ramadan?
With Ramadan starting on Sunday, March 10, 2024, and ending on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Eid al-Fitr is most likely to fall on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Why does the date vary each year?
Islamic calendars are lunar in nature, with a new astronomical moon ushering in each month. Since the Islamic calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar used in the West due to the shorter lunar months than solar ones, Ramadan falls on an approximate date of 10 days earlier each year.
The time frame is in the Islamic year's ninth month. The exact date also differs by roughly one day between nations based on when the moon is visible.
To make sure the fast isn't accidentally broken too soon, believers are urged to confirm the exact times of sunrise and sunset with the mosques in their communities.
Why do Muslims fast?
The holy month of Ramadan is devoted to prayer and Quran reading. Giving to deserving charities and neighbors is encouraged, as is being generous.
It is a time for introspection, temperance, and coziness meant to draw Muslims nearer to Allah; for this reason, during the day, they refrain from earthly distractions like food and drink, tobacco, and sexual activities. Before dawn, known as "suhoor," and after dark, known as "iftar," a small meal is eaten; however, nothing is eaten in between, not even water.
All Muslims must fast during the month of Ramadan; in many situations, this duty starts as early as age 10.
Individuals who are too sick to fast, the elderly, people with mental illnesses, people on the go, and women who are nursing, pregnant, or menstruating can all be excused from fasting if doing so would put their health at risk.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Every year, Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "festival of the breaking of the fast," signifies the conclusion of Ramadan.
During the festivities, Muslims wish one another a happy Eid by saying "Eid Mubarak" and getting together to feast and pray as a family.
In addition to being a celebration of three days, the event also includes charitable donations from attendees.
