2024 Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Dates: What You Need to Know.

3 min read 2024-03-10, 09:20 PM IST

Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide embark on a spiritual journey during the sacred month of Ramadan 1445 hijri. From dawn until sunset, they abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, focusing instead on prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. This annual observance, which shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year, holds deep significance within the Islamic faith, marking a period of spiritual renewal and devotion.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense importance for Muslims around the globe. It is believed to be the month during which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah (God). As such, Ramadan serves as a time of heightened spiritual awareness and connection with the divine.

In 2024, Ramadan 1445 hijri is expected to commence on the evening of Sunday, March 10, with fasting commencing the following day on Monday. The exact start date varies each year, determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a symbol that signals the beginning of the holy month.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in acts of worship, self-discipline, and introspection. Fasting, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a fundamental aspect of Ramadan. From dawn until sunset, adherents abstain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity. This period of fasting serves as a reminder of the importance of self-restraint, empathy for the less fortunate, and devotion to spiritual growth.

The duration of Ramadan typically spans either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon that heralds the start of the next lunar month. As such, the exact end date of Ramadan may vary from year to year. In 2024, it is predicted that Ramadan will conclude on April 9, with the following day marking the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr, the festive celebration that signifies the end of Ramadan.

Eid Al-Fitr, often referred to as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most joyous occasions in the Islamic calendar. It serves as a time of rejoicing, gratitude, and communal solidarity, as Muslims gather to celebrate the culmination of Ramadan and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah.

On the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, Muslims partake in special prayers, known as Salat al-Eid, which are conducted in congregation at mosques or outdoor prayer grounds. These prayers are followed by a sermon, during which the imam offers guidance and reflections on the significance of Eid Al-Fitr and the lessons learned during Ramadan.

In addition to prayers, Eid Al-Fitr is characterized by various cultural traditions and rituals that vary across different regions and communities. It is common for families to dress in their finest attire, exchange gifts, and indulge in festive meals that showcase traditional cuisines and delicacies. Additionally, many Muslims engage in acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, by providing food or financial assistance to those in need, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joyous festivities of Eid.

Ramadan 1445 hijri 2024 Celebration in London

As Imam Ebad Rahman, Religious Life Associate for Muslim Life at Columbia University, aptly summarizes, Eid Al-Fitr is a time of celebration and anticipation. It is a momentous occasion that brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity, compassion, and shared joy.

Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr hold profound significance within the Islamic faith, serving as pillars of spiritual devotion, self-reflection, and communal solidarity. As Muslims worldwide prepare to embark on this sacred journey in 2024, they do so with reverence, humility, and a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah.