Salam Alaikum;
As a Muslim, you already know the answer to that greeting; unless curiosity brought you here – as a non-Muslim to know the date for Ramadan 2024.
Then my reply to you is that I’m glad to help anyway.
Ramadan starts in the evening of Sat, 9 Mar 2024 – Mon, 8 Apr 2024. It’ll last for 29 or 30 days, depending on the crescent moon sighting.
According to the Dubai astronomers, this will be the first Ramman to fall in the winter in 24 years.
It’ll interest you to know that Ramadan comprises other component days that when duly observed, make it a blessed[Ramadan Mubarak] or generous – Ramadan Kareem.
The secrets of/for Ramadan, the days following and the aftermath are vital to the Islamic faith.
This article tells the truth about Ramadan for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar AKA the Islamic calendar.
It marks the day the Quran was first revealed to the holy prophet, Mohammed.
Ramadan is a period of petty, compassion, self-examination, and celebrations for Muslims.
Out of many reasons for Ramadan, one is to share in the suffering of the poor.
What Days and Activities are Contained in Ramadan?
Ramadan brings along itself about 5 other experiences in the form of practices.
Some are daily routines while others are peculiar for specific days:
- Sawn(Fasting)
- Suhoor
- Iftar
- Zakat al-Fitr
- Eid Al Fitr
#1. Sawn(Fasting)
A Muslim is obligated by faith to engage in a series of fasting throughout their lifetime.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam – and Ramadan entails that the physically and mentally fit believers should fast from dawn to dusk for the 29 or 30 days period.
Abstinence from food and drink is just one aspect of Ramadan, the next version; believers are encouraged to also abstain from habits such as smoking, drinking, and sex till it’s wrapt.
Sawn is targeted to heighten self-discipline, strengthen faith, and build empathy with those less fortunate.
During this period, Muslims do more spiritual reflection and devotion. This period is marked by additional prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity.
How Sawn is Practice
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a predawn feeding and dusk feeding schedule:
- Suhoor: Suhoor is a predawn feeding taken before embarking on swan fasting lasts till sundown.
- Iftar: after sawn, Muslims observe iftar, a meal taken in the dusk to break the fasting for the day.
Suhoor and iftar are a daily routine throughout Ramadan.
#2. Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory donation of staple food items to enable the poor to share in the love of Eid al-Fitr.
You can give your gifts through Muslim Aids or your local team. The food items will then be distributed to those who deserve it
Zakat al-Fitr is usually done at the end of Ramadan entering Eid al-Fitr, but it’s advised to donate a few days in advance, this will enable effective circulation of alms.
Better still, you can give yours on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is among the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan.
Fun facts, the act of love multiples on the Night of Power.
#3. Eid Al Fitr
Eid al-Fitr crowns Ramadan. It marks the end of the fasting[sawn] for the season.
Interestingly, Eid al-Fitr, as important as it is, may not happen until the crescent moon is spotted – in 2024, this event is expected to take place on 9 April.
Eid al-Fitr is about giving gifts to children and spending time with loved ones, attempting to put smiles on people’s faces.