When is Ramadan? Muslim holy month and Eid al-Fitr dates to know for 2024.
In the Islamic faith, Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth and contemplation that brings families together. But this year, while Muslims prepare to fast, top of mind for many is the widespread starvation, violence and food insecurity in Gaza.
Northern Gaza, where more than 95% of the 2.3 million population is in a food insecurity crisis, recently went a month without the arrival of food trucks. The U.N. and humanitarian aid groups say tens of thousands of people in northern Gaza have been largely cut off from aid and risk starvation. One in six children under 2 in Gaza are acutely malnourished.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war. Two mothers are killed every hour in Gaza, according to UN Women.
When is Ramadan 2024?
Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, and continue through Wednesday, April 10, ending in the celebratory Eid al-Fitr.
The day changes annually because it is set using the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. The crescent moon sighting ultimately determines the day. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic, or Hijri, calendar.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to fasting, time with loved ones, reflection, charity and prayer. Muslims believe it was during this month God revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad and entrusted him with carrying God’s message.
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and an important part of Ramadan. Muslims who have reached puberty and who are physically capable, fast from dawn until sunset and abstain from liquids, food, sexual activities (couples are allowed to engage at night once the fast is broken), gossip, negative thoughts and bad intentions. They break their fast after an evening prayer with iftār, a meal often served with friends, family and community.
The holiest night of Ramadan is Laylat Al-Qadr, which occurs during the last 10 days of the month. It’s expected to occur on Friday, April 5 this year. Laylat al-Qadr is known as the “Night of Power” and is said to be when the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) revealed the Qur'an’s first verses to the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed as a night for reflection, prayer and good deeds.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Sweets or Festival of Breaking the Fast. It marks the end of the monthlong dawn-to-sunset fasting during Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr celebrations vary, but often include spending time with family and friends, gift-giving, charitable giving and festivals with food and activities.
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Because the start of the holiday depends on when the new moon is seen, Eid al-Fitr begins at a different time for different countries. It’s expected to begin around April 9.
Eid al-Adha: History and meaning of the holiday
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Ramadan 2024? Muslim holy month start and end dates to know.
