Ramadan 2024 Start And End Date: Know All About Islamic Holy Month

Ramadan 2024 Start And End Date In India: As Ramadan 2024 approaches, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the opportunity for spiritual growth and self-improvement. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, believers embark on a transformative journey of inner reflection and renewal.

The word "Ramadan" finds its roots in the Arabic term 'RMD,' signifying scorching heat. Beyond its meteorological connotations, Ramadan holds profound religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is viewed as a commemoration of Prophet Muhammad's first revelation and stands as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

During Ramadan, believers hold firm to the belief that evil spirits are chained in hell, safeguarding them from malevolent forces. This sacred time serves as a period of intense devotion, spiritual cleansing, and renewal of faith.

Ramadan 2024 Start and End Date

Ramadan, also referred to as Ramzan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is determined according to the lunar Islamic calendar. This year, the sacred month is expected to commence on March 11 or 12, with its culmination on April 9 or 10, depending on the sighting of the moon in Mecca. The Islamic calendar's lunar nature means that Ramadan shifts approximately ten days earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year. The fasting from sunrise to sunset can range from 12 to 17 hours, depending on your location in the world.

In various regions across the globe, the start date may vary slightly. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States are likely to commence Ramadan on March 11, while nations like India, Bangladesh, and Egypt may observe the beginning on March 12.

When is Ramadan 2024 start in Saudi Arabia, UAE?

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) want Muslims in their countries to look for the crescent moon on Sunday evening, March 10. If they see it, it means the holy month of Ramzan 1445 AH-2024 will start the next day, either on March 11 or March 12, depending on when the moon is seen. People who see the moon should tell the authorities so they can record it. The UAE also asked people to call a specific number (02-6921166) if they see the moon.

Ramadan History and Significance

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12 | Photo: Freepik

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and it's a special time for Muslims. It's when they fast and think about their faith. The month begins and ends when they see the crescent moon. Because their calendar is different from the regular calendar, Ramadan happens at different times each year.

Muslims believe that during Ramadan, on a special night called the "Night of Power," (Laylat-al-Qadr) God gave the Prophet Muhammad the Qur'an, which is their holy book. During Ramadan, Muslims spend time thinking, praying, and reading the Qur'an. They believe that by fasting and praying during Ramadan, God forgives their past mistakes.

Fasting during Ramadan is an important part of being Muslim. It's called ?awm, and it means refraining from eating, drinking, and other bad behaviors from sunrise to sunset. Muslims break their fast each evening with a meal called if?¨¡r, often starting with dates, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. They also pray special prayers at night called tawar¨©?.

During Ramadan, Muslims adjust their daily routines. They might work less during the day and pray more at night. To help them wake up for the pre-dawn meal, some communities use drums or bells.

If someone can't fast because they're sick or traveling, they can make up for it later. Instead of fasting, they can also help others or do good deeds. Some people, like children or the elderly, don't have to fast at all.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a big holiday called Eid al-Fitr, the "Feast of Fast-Breaking." It's a time for families to come together, eat special food, and exchange gifts. It's one of the most important holidays for Muslims, along with Eid al-Adha, which celebrates the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

During Ramadan, believers hold firm to the belief that evil spirits are chained in hell, safeguarding them from malevolent forces. This sacred time serves as a period of intense devotion, spiritual cleansing, and renewal of faith.

Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims. It's a time for praying, being kind, and getting closer to Allah, their god. This month is super important because Muslims believe it's when the first parts of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast, which means they don't eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This fasting helps them show their love for Allah, control themselves, and understand how people who don't have enough food feel. It also helps them feel more connected to their families and communities.

When fasting, Muslims wake up before dawn to eat a meal called suhoor, which gives them energy for the day. Then, when the sun sets, they have another meal called iftar to break their fast. After iftar, they pray and do other good things.

Ramadan is not just about fasting; it's also about being kind and helping others. Muslims are encouraged to give to the poor, volunteer, and be nice to everyone around them.

By celebrating Ramadan, Muslims can become better people and feel closer to Allah. It's a time for reflection, self-improvement, and showing love and kindness to others.

Traditions

The observance of Ramadan encompasses various rituals and traditions that underscore its sanctity. Fasting from dawn till dusk, known as swam or roza, is a central tenet of Ramadan. Muslims rise early in the morning to partake in Sehri or Suhoor, a modest pre-fast meal comprising fruits, milk, and other nourishing items.

At sunset, the fast is broken with a joyous feast called Iftar. Mouthwatering dishes such as kebabs, biryani, and traditional desserts like phirni and shahi tukda grace the tables of Iftar gatherings. These meals not only satiate physical hunger but also foster a sense of communal unity and gratitude.

Beyond fasting and feasting, Ramadan encourages acts of charity and compassion. Muslims are urged to extend a helping hand to those in need, exemplifying the spirit of generosity and empathy that defines the holy month. May this blessed month bring peace, unity, and spiritual enlightenment to all who observe its sacred traditions.

Ramadan 2024: Do¡¯s and Don¡¯ts during the holy month of Ramzan

Apart from not eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset, there are different things you should and shouldn't do during Ramadan. Let's take a look at what they are

Ramadan 2024: Things to Do

- Pray Regularly: Muslims should pray five times a day, not just during Ramadan but all year round.

- Be Kind and Generous: Muslims need to be kind and generous to poor people or in need, both during Ramadan and throughout the year.

- Memorize and Reflect on the Quran: Muslims are encouraged to memorize parts of the Quran and think about what they mean.

- Practice Dhikr: Dhikr means remembering and thanking Allah through prayer. Muslims are expected to do this regularly.

- Pray for Family Well-being: While praying, Muslims should ask Allah to take care of their families and loved ones.

Ramadan 2024: Things to Avoid

- No Eating or Drinking: Muslims who are fasting for Ramadan should not eat or drink anything until sunset when the Maghrib Azan is called.

- Avoid Smoking and Vomiting: Smoking or making yourself throw up is not allowed during fasting because it can break the fast.

- No Listening to Music: Muslims shouldn't listen to music, especially while fasting during Ramadan.

- Stay Positive: It's important to stay positive during Ramadan. Feeling angry or bitter can cancel out the benefits of fasting, so it's best to focus on positive thoughts.

- Avoid Illegal Activities: People fasting should stay away from doing anything illegal, both in their actions and their thoughts.

- Avoid Arguments: It's advised to avoid arguments or fights during Ramadan because they can affect the rewards Muslims get from Allah.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Ramadan 2024

Q. When does Ramadan 2024 start?

Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin in the evening on Monday, March 11, 2024.

Ramadan 2024 is anticipated to start on Monday, March 11, 2024, and conclude on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. It is expected to span 30 days.

Q. When does Ramadan 2024 end?

Ramadan 2024 is set to end on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Q. In what year will Ramadan occur twice?

Ramadan is forecasted to occur twice in 2030. This is due to the difference between the Gregorian and Islamic/Hijri calendars. According to Dr. Sobeih Al Saadi, an astronomer, the Hijri year differs from the Gregorian year by approximately 11 days. Consequently, every 33 years, Ramadan repeats twice in one year.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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