Ramadan - Facts

The dates of Ramadan shifts by approximately 11 days each year because the cycle of the lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar.

In 2011, Ramadan began on August 1st.

In 2012 Ramadan began on July 20th.

In 2013, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of July 8th with the first full day of fasting on July 9th

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. The term Ramadan literally means scorching in Arabic. It was established as a Holy Month for Muslims after the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE on the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr, frequently translated as "the Night of Power. 

During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset with no food or water. Before sunrise many Muslims have the Suhur or predawn meal. At sunset families and friends gather for Iftar which is the meal eaten by Muslims to break the fast.Many Muslims begin the meal by eating dates as the Prophet used to do.

Charity is an important part of Ramadan. The fast emphasizes self-sacrifice and using the experience of hunger to grow in empathy with the hungry. During Ramadan, Muslim communities work together to raise money for the poor, donate clothes and food, and hold iftar dinners for the less fortunate

The ending of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. On Eid ul-Fitr, morning prayers are followed by feasting and celebration among family and friends. This year Eid ul-Fitr will most probably fall on Wednesday, August 7,2013

Muslims offer prayers in front of the historic Taj Mahal on Eid al-Fitr in Agra, India, Wed Aug. 31, 2011

 Libyan muslims pray in Green Square, renamed Martyr's Square, during the morning Eid prayer, marking the end of Ramadan and to celebrate victory over embattled Moammar Gadhafi, inTripoli, Libya, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011

Devout Muslims break their fast at dusk during the holy month of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid Mosue in New Delhi,India

Devout Muslims break their fast at dusk during the holy month of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi.

Devout Muslims break their fast at dusk during the holy month of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi.

Devout Muslims break their fast at dusk during the holy month of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi.