Countdown to Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month of the year for Muslims worldwide. It is a sacred time of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and community, observed by well over a billion people across the globe each year.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan moves earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year, and the countdown above shows how long remains until it begins. The start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which gives the month its deeply observed and anticipated character.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon that marks the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, falling about ten to eleven days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Because the date shifts annually, the countdown above is the simplest way to follow it. To convert between the Hijri and Gregorian calendars, try our Islamic calendar converter, and use the world clock to check prayer and fasting times across regions. After Ramadan ends, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr begins.

Origins and Significance

Ramadan commemorates the month in which, according to Islamic tradition, the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a central act of faith and devotion. The fast is intended to cultivate self-discipline, gratitude, empathy for those in need, and closeness to God. The month carries a spirit of generosity and spiritual renewal that has been observed for over fourteen centuries.

How Ramadan is Observed

• Fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
• Taking the pre-dawn meal, suhoor, and breaking the fast at sunset with iftar.
• Increased prayer, including the special nightly Tarawih prayers.
• Reading and reflecting on the Quran throughout the month.
• Giving to charity and sharing meals with family, neighbors, and those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ramadan begin each year?

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and moves about ten to eleven days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar, so the date changes annually.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, observed to build self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy, and to draw closer to God during the holy month.

What are suhoor and iftar?

Suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn to begin the fast, while iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, often shared with family and community.

Does everyone have to fast during Ramadan?

Fasting is required of healthy adult Muslims, but exemptions apply to children, the elderly, the ill, travelers, and pregnant or nursing women, among others.

How can I count down to Ramadan?

The countdown above shows the time remaining until Ramadan begins. You can also use our Islamic calendar converter to align Hijri and Gregorian dates.