Ramadan is almost here! Find out when the Islamic holy month begins, what it means, more

Ramadan is less than a month away.

Before the holiday commences, we have put together a refresher to help you understand what Ramadan is, why it is celebrated and more.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims.

During the monthlong holiday, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran (the holy book of Islam) when Allah, through the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Quran to a caravan trader named "Muhammad," according to Almanac.

Ramadan is also a time for fasting from drinking or eating during sunlight hours to draw closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for the less fortunate, according to ING.

When is Ramadan in 2024?

Although Ramadan is always the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the exact dates of the holiday change each year because they are based on the sighting of the first crescent moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on the last night of the eighth month, Sha’ban. Some choose to observe Ramadan by following pre-determined dates based on astronomical calculations, reports Almanac.

In 2024, Ramadan starts at sundown on Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9.

The last evening of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), which is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, according to the Pluralism Project.

Eid al-Fitr does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times around the world. Some Muslims choose to celebrate when the new moon appears over Mecca.  During Eid al-Fitr, the monthlong fast for Ramadan officially ends and is celebrated with a feast.

How is Ramadan celebrated?

Ramadan is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, focusing heavily on devotion. During the month, Muslims perform special prayers and spend extra time reading the Quran, along with fasting.

The fast is from pre-dawn to sunset each day, lasting between 11 and 16 hours for 29 to 30 days, depending on the time of year. Muslims fast from food and drink; abstain from sex, if married; and refrain from negative acts such as lying, gossiping, arguing or backbiting, according to ING.

The goal of fasting is to gain “greater God-consciousness,” known in Arabic as “taqwa,” signifying a state of constant awareness of God. This awareness allows a person to gain self-restraint, discipline and a greater incentive to avoid wrong and do good.

All post-pubescent Muslims are obligated to fast except those with exemptions, including someone who is pregnant or nursing, children, sick individuals and elderly people. Sick people can make up the fast when they feel better and can instead feed a poor person for every day of fasting that they miss. Children around age 7 can perform limited or symbolic fasts, such as fasting for half a day or on weekends.

Due to fasting, the holiday is a highly social time and often sees the community inviting one another over for breakfast and meeting up for prayers at the mosque.

Sehri, or suhri, is the pre-dawn meal families eat together every morning, followed by a morning prayer. At night, Muslims break their fast with a meal known as “iftar,” which is traditionally started by eating dates like the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Iftar is often shared with a poor family, according to Almanac.

A special part of Ramadan is the Night of Power, known as Lailat al-Qadr, that is believed to fall on one of the odd nights during the last 10 days of Ramadan but is widely observed on the 27th night. It is seen as the most blessed night in Ramadan because it is said to be the night the Quran was first revealed, according to Britannica.

Mosques are open all night on the Night of Power as Muslims hold vigils in contemplation, prayer and Quranic recitation.

Once Eid al-Fitr arrives, the last day of Ramadan, Muslims enjoy great feasts and celebrate with the community.

Ramadan traditions

It is customary for Muslims to attempt to read the entire Quran during Ramadan and have it recited during special nightly prayers, according to ING.

During the nightly meal, mosques are known to host community dinners to foster relationships and offer a break from cooking to those fixing up iftar at home. Afterward, special Ramadan prayers called "Taraweeh" are held and 1/30 of the Quran is recited to ensure the full text is read by the end of the holiday. With charity being an element of the holiday, mosques often hold fundraisers or food drives during Ramadan, and even invite community members from other faiths inside to enjoy iftar.

During Eid al-Fitr, it is a tradition for children to receive money, gifts or new clothes from loved ones.

The first day of the celebration begins with a special prayer and sermon in the morning, followed by a celebration with the community filled with food and games. Families also visit the graves of relatives, according to Britannica.

How to greet someone during Ramadan

There are many ways to greet someone during Ramadan or express you well wishes for the holiday.

“Ramadan Mubarak” means “blessed Ramadan” and can be said to those observing the holiday, according to Almanac.

Similarly, “Eid Mubarak” means “blessed holiday,” and can be used to greet someone on during Eid al-Fitr, according to ING.

Other ways to greet someone during Ramadan, according to Parade, include:

• “Sending wishes for a peaceful Ramadan.”

• “Wishing you a happy Ramadan.”

• “May Ramadan bring you prosperity and joy.”

• “Sending love to you and your family this Ramadan.”

• “May all your prayers be answered this Ramadan and always.”

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. 

Lenten season details: Wondering when Lent starts in 2024 or how it's observed? We've got answers and more.

Fat Tuesday arrives soon: What is Mardi Gras? Find that out, plus when to celebrate, why it's a holiday and more

Holiday crossover: What is Ash Wednesday? Why Christians will be wearing ashes on Valentine's Day this year.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is Ramadan in 2024? Plus, why it's celebrated, holiday traditions