Ramadan 2024 – When does Ramadan Begins & Ends

When is Ramadan 2024?

Ramadan 2024-, the Islamic month of Ramadan is anticipated to commence on the evening of Sunday, March 10th, and conclude on Tuesday, April 9th. The start and end of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, with the exact dates subject to variation based on local moon sightings. While some Muslims rely on astronomical calculations, others depend on the physical sighting of the moon, and practices may vary according to individual beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and family traditions. The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is set for Wednesday, April 10th, 2024. During Ramadan, Muslims engage in daily fasting from pre-dawn until sunset, refraining from consuming food or liquids. The fast is broken each evening with iftar, a communal meal shared with family and friends. The month is also a time for increased prayer, reflection, and community.

 Exemptions from Fasting – Ramadan 2024

Certain individuals are excused from fasting during Ramadan due to valid reasons, as mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185) and interpreted by Islamic scholars. These exemptions include:

1. Those with physical or mental illnesses
2. Travelers
3. Women experiencing menstruation
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
5. The elderly, if fasting is detrimental to their health
6. Children who have not yet reached puberty

Acts that Invalidate the Fast During Ramadan 2024

The following actions are recognized as breaking one’s fast:

1. Intake of medication through the nose or ears
2. Deliberate vomiting
3. Ingesting water unintentionally while gargling
4. Intentional ejaculation due to contact with a woman
5. Ingesting non-food items
6. Smoking
7. Eating or drinking after doing so unintentionally, believing the fast was already broken
8. Consuming food after the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) ends, mistakenly thinking it is still time
9. Breaking the fast (iftar) too early, under the false impression that sunset has occurred

Recommended Practices During Fasting

Muslims are encouraged to:

1. Fast with the intention of earning rewards from Allah

2. Perform the five daily prayers punctually in congregation

3. Provide meals to fasting individuals and engage in charity

4. If possible, perform Umrah during Ramadan, as it carries the reward of Hajj

5. Avoid negative behaviors like lying and gossiping

6. Dedicate more time to prayer, seeking forgiveness, and supplicating for oneself and the wider Muslim community

7. Engage in additional voluntary prayers and supplications

Ramadan 2024 is a period for devout worship and reflection, offering a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and mercy through dedicated prayer and acts of faith.