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All you need to know about Ramadan 2024
For most countries, the first day of fasting is likely to be March 12, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Ramadan lights have been installed at the Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse, called "Fressgass" before the start of Ramadan, in Frankfurt, Germany, March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Timm Reichert
The first day of fasting for the Muslim sacred month of Ramadan is slated for either Monday, March 11, or Tuesday, March 12, depending on the observation of the new moon. Ramadan is established according to the Islamic lunar calendar, starting with the identification of the crescent moon.
Ramadan’s new moon will begin on March 10 at 8:23pm Mecca time
To ensure the visibility of the crescent moon, it is essential that it sets after the sun, creating a sufficiently dark sky to discern the slender shape of the new moon.
As the sun sets on the evening of March 10, marking the 29th day of the Shaaban month in the Hijri calendar, moon observers direct their gaze westward, seeking an unobstructed view of the horizon to catch the initial glimpse of the crescent moon.
Should the moon be sighted, Ramadan will commence, and the first day of fasting will fall on March 11. Alternatively, if the moon remains unseen, Shaaban will complete its 30-day cycle, and the first day of fasting will be on March 12.
According to Crescent Moon Watch, a moon tracking service managed by the United Kingdom’s Nautical Almanac Office, the new moon for Ramadan is anticipated to appear on March 10 at 17:23 GMT (8:23 pm Mecca time), with no expectations of sightings on that particular night.
On March 10, the new moon is projected to be visible primarily in the Pacific region, near the Hawaiian Islands and parts of French Polynesia. It is improbable that the majority of the world, including the Middle East, North America, and Europe, will have the opportunity to observe the new crescent moon with the naked eye.
There is a possibility of spotting the new moon without optical aids on March 11 if the skies are clear across most of the world. Telescopic sightings are more likely in southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. For most countries, the commencement of fasting is anticipated to be on March 12.
Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
Muslims hold the belief that Ramadan marks the month during which the initial verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago.
Throughout this sacred month, devout Muslims observe a fast that begins just before the sunrise prayer, Fajr, and concludes with the sunset prayer, Maghrib. This fast entails refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations, aiming to cultivate a heightened awareness of God, known as “taqwa.”
Fasting stands as one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, alongside the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charitable acts, and the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are physically and financially able.
In numerous Muslim-majority nations, working hours are typically reduced, and most restaurants remain closed during the fasting hours.
Distinctive greetings in native languages are exchanged in various Muslim-majority countries during this time. Common phrases include “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” conveying wishes for a blessed and generous month, respectively.
As Ramadan concludes, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which translates to “festival of breaking the fast” in Arabic. The duration of this festive occasion, lasting three days, depends on the sighting of the new moon and is expected to commence on April 10 or 11.
