When Is Ramadan 2024 Start Date Expected? [REVEALED!]

As 2024 begins according to the Gregorian calendar, we are also reminded that we're fast approaching the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the month of Ramadan.

There are many well-known landmarks of the holy month of Ramadan, including the festival Eid Al Fitr, the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) and late night Taraweeh prayers, but when exactly is the first day of Ramadan? We'll give you all the answers below.

What is Ramadan?

For any Muslim deeply immersed in the practice of Islam, the significance of Ramadan is woven into the fabric of our spiritual identity.

It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, illustrating the profound devotion of adult Muslims worldwide and is generally a time for maximising good deeds. This sacred period is marked by daily fasting, making dua, and acts of charity.

There are many ahadith which support the importance of Ramadan. Narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"Whoever prayed at night in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."

What Islamic Month is Ramadan in?

The Islamic Calendar is based on the lunar year as opposed to the solar calendar used in the Western Gregorian year.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, holds a unique position in the Islamic calendar. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the month of Sha'ban, characterised by a lunar cycle that differs from the Gregorian calendar.

Many families have a Ramadan calendar in their homes that inform them of Fajr and Maghrib times so they know when to open and close their fasts.

Understanding the Islamic lunar calendar is crucial to determining the exact timing of Ramadan, as it relies on the sighting of the moon.

How Ramadan is calculated using moon sighting

The lunar cycle plays a pivotal role in determining the start of the blessed month of Ramadan. The sighting of the crescent moon, a tradition dating back to the time of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), signifies the beginning of this blessed month.

While some may question the reliance on moon sighting in an era of advanced astronomical calculations, the tradition holds strong, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, emphasising the spiritual connection with the celestial heavens.

What is Ramadan 2024 start date?

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Ramadan in 2024, the exact beginning requires a delicate balance between tradition and technological advancements.

In Saudi Arabia, where the Islamic calendar originated, experts use a combination of moon sighting and astronomical calculations to pinpoint the start date. As such, there is no certainty on the exact first day of Ramadan until the new moon has been sighted on the evening of the last day of Sha'ban.

The expected first day of Ramadan 2024 is likely to be Sunday, March 10, 2024 (March 10th) with the first fast beginning on Monday, March 11, 2024.

The end dates of Ramadan are likely to be either Tuesday April 9 2024 or Wednesday 10 April 2024, marked by the religious festival Eid Al Fitr.

Is there a holiday in Ramadan?

Indeed, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of charity, including donating to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and other afflicted countries.

However, it is not considered a public holiday in many countries. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, a feast of fast-breaking.

In 2024, Eid Al Fitr is expected to be on either Tuesday 9 April 2024 or Wednesday 10 April 2024.

This marks the end of the fasting period and is accompanied by special prayers, festive gatherings, light displays (like the ones near Piccadilly Circus in London in 2023), and the exchange of gifts.

In Islamic countries, Eid al-Fitr is recognized as in annual public holidays, allowing for special arrangements and celebrations. In the United States, for example in Los Angeles or New York City, and in the UK in London, Muslims often take time off work or school to observe this important religious festival.

The best things to do in Ramadan 2024

Ramadan is ultimately a time of reflection and worship. We should be spending time in remembrance of Allah. Here are some ways to maximise your Ramadan 2024:

• Increasing prayer in the last third of Ramadan
• Seeking Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power, to maximise reward
• Religious devotion through regular reading and finishing the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam
• Maintaining good health by abstaining from food and drink
• Waking up for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal and praying Fajr on time
• Breaking your fast with a date and water at Iftar
• Fasting the mind, heart and tongue too

As we approach the anticipated start of Ramadan in 2024, let us prepare our hearts for this unparalleled period of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and acts of kindness.

All that's left to say is the familiar Ramadan greeting: Ramadan Mubarak!