When is Ramadan? What to know about the holiest month of the year for Muslim communities

Ramadan, a holy monthlong celebration for Muslim communities across the world, began on Monday.

More than a billion people around the world celebrate Ramadan with sunrise to sunset fasting for the entire month, praying, charity and spending time with family. The exact date changes as the holy celebration follows the lunar calendar, which changes by about 11 days each year. The exact date always depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year the moon was sighted on the night of Sunday, March 10.

Here is all you need to know about Ramadan and what observances and celebrations take place during this holy month.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month that is dedicated to fasting, prayer, quality time, reflection and charity. Muslim people believe this month is when the Prophet Muhammad was given the Quran and the duty to carry God’s message.

Laylat Al-Qadr is the holiest night of Ramadan. It occurs within the last 10 days of the month of fasting. It is said that this night is when the Angel Jibril revealed the Quran’s first verses to the Prophet Muhammad. The night is used for reflection, prayer and good deeds. Laylat will be observed on Friday, April 5, this year.

When is Ramadan 2024?

Ramadan officially starts on Monday, March 11. It will continue through to Wednesday, April 10, when it ends with Eid al-Fitr.

Attendees of the 13th Memphis Interfaith Ramadan dinner play a trivia game as an icebreaker

When does fasting start for Ramadan?

People who observer Ramadan already began their fast to start the holy month at dawn on Monday, March 11.

Fasting hours are from dawn until dusk during the month of Ramadan.

Why do you fast during Ramadan?

During this month, Muslim people who have reached puberty will fast from sunrise to sunset. It is a practice of self-restraint intended to build the relationship with God.

People abstain from food and drink during the hours of sunlight during this period. Along with food, people who can fast will abstain from gossip, negative thoughts, bad intentions and sexual activities.

After evening prayer, Muslim people break their fasts with a meal called iftar. The meals tend to be a communal event where people often eat dates. The dates are a reference to the Prophet Muhammad eating dates to break his fast.

Sally Mansour at the 13th Memphis Interfaith Ramadan dinner in Cordova

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is the festival that signifies the end of Ramadan. Officially known as the Festival of Sweets or Festival of Breaking the Fast, Eid al-Fitr has different variations of celebrations, but most include time spent with family, gift giving, charity, and festivals with food and activities.

When is Eid al-Fitr?

This year, Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin around Tuesday, April 9. The holiday does depend on when the new moon is seen, so the celebrations begin at different times for different countries.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: When is Ramadan? When does fasting start? What to know about it