Ramadan 2024: What We Know So Far

by Ashas Bukhari

Ramadan 2024: What We Know So Far

13 Feb 2024

Ramadan is approaching, and everyone in the UAE knows it. The Holy Month is one of the most significant dates in the calendar for all residents because regardless of your religious beliefs, this month will affect your daily routine.

When is Ramadan 2024?

While the exact dates of Ramadan 2024 are not yet confirmed, the UAE government has announced expected dates in advance, allowing people to prepare for the holy month. According to the Islamic Hijri calendar, based on lunar cycles, the expected date for Ramadan in the UAE is March 11, 2024, followed by Eid al Fitr on April 10, 2024. These dates are not confirmed but are the UAE government's best astronomical estimates. Islamic tradition mandates that the new moon of Ramadan must be sighted to determine the beginning of the holy month.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, lasting for twenty-nine to thirty days; it is a significant period for Muslims worldwide. Muslims are required to elevate their level of spirituality through acts of abstinence from what would otherwise be considered lawful acts under Islamic law. The most overt form of abstinence is refraining from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. This act is called “siyam”, or fasting, for which Ramadan is so popular.

The purpose of fasting is twofold: it helps Muslims reflect on and appreciate God's blessings and pay heed to the plight of the needy. Depriving oneself of food and drink daily for a month does wonders in helping one understand the pain associated with a shortage of sustenance. But siyam is only one part of Ramadan. Another equally important part of this holy month is zakat. Zakat is a mandatory charity that all Muslims must pay, should they fall within a predetermined economic threshold.

The spirit of fasting, however, is far more than just going hungry and thirsty for a month. If a Muslim does not refrain from using foul language, idle talk, and any other moral infractions, their fast is considered incomplete. In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), narrated by his companion Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ), “There are people who fast and get nothing from their fast except hunger.” Therefore, a Muslim who, while fasting in Ramadan, is engaged in other forms of disobedience will gain nothing but hunger and thirst; in this concern, it is narrated by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) who reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink."

Photo: Rumman Amin

Ramadan: a month for all seasons

According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, Ramadan 2024 in the UAE will be the first to fall in the winter months since 2000. The Islamic calendar operates on a lunar system, causing the calendar dates to advance by 10 days each year due to the shorter duration of lunar years. Consequently, the month of Ramadan commences 10 days earlier annually.

Ramadan 2024 in Dubai

As we look towards Ramadan 2024, it becomes apparent that this holy month transcends mere ritual observance, weaving itself into the very fabric of daily life in the UAE and beyond. The anticipation of Ramadan underlines a communal narrative that encompasses the devout and those who, while not partaking in fasting, respect and adjust to the rhythms of this sacred period. The spirit of Ramadan reverberates through every aspect of society, manifesting in altered business hours, the hush of daytime activity, and the vibrant communal gatherings that come to life after dusk.

The significance of Ramadan is multifaceted, touching on spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions. It is a time when the pace of life shifts, priorities are reassessed, and the focus is sharply turned to self-reflection, community, and faith. The practice of siyam (fasting) and zakat (charity) are not just acts of piety but are also profound expressions of empathy and solidarity. These rituals function as a bridge, connecting individuals to their community and the broader human experience of need and compassion.

As the UAE prepares to welcome this sacred month, the blend of tradition and modernity becomes more evident. The calculated astronomical predictions harmoniously coexist with the traditional moon sighting, reflecting a society that deeply respects its roots while progressively marching towards the future. Ramadan 2024 is not just a date on the calendar but a period of profound significance, promising a blend of spiritual enrichment, cultural celebration, and communal harmony. Whether through the quiet reflection of an individual's fast or the shared joy of a communal iftar, the essence of Ramadan is poised to touch every heart, making it a month for all seasons.

by Ashas Bukhari