Islamic Calendar 2024 Ramadan

When is Ramadan 2024 and what are the rules to follow during the Holy Month

Ramadan is expected to begin in March next year.

The holiday is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and Muslims believe it is the month in which the first verse of Islam’s holy book, the Quran, was revealed to Muhammad.

The period sees millions of Muslims across the world, including the communities here in Merseyside, fast from before dawn through to sunset. For those taking part, this means they must have no food or drink and refrain from “sinful behaviour” including smoking and sex.

READ MORE: Tell us your favourite Mathew Street bar

READ MORE: Forgotten moments show life and people in Liverpool 67 years ago

It is thought Ramadan will begin on the evening of Thursday, March 12, with the first day of fasting happening on Friday, March 13. The arrival of Ramadan is said to bring about an ample opportunity for Muslims to reap “infinite blessing and reward”.

Following Ramadan comes Eid At Fitr. Meaning Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, the event is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. The religious holiday sees the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting Ramadan and the first day of the next month in the Islamic calendar, Shawwal. Although, not a public holiday in the UK, for many Muslim countries it is.

What can and can’t I do during the Holy Month of Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of many months in the Islamic calendar and is considered to be one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. During this month, Muslims fast and do not eat or drink during the hours between sunrise and sunset.

Although fasting is most commonly understood as the obligation to fast during Ramadan, it is more broadly interpreted as the obligation to refrain between dawn and dusk from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms of immoral behaviour including impure or unkind thoughts – such as false words, bad deeds or intentions.

Fasting at Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam – the fundamental rules all Muslims follow – along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.

During Ramadan, there is an increased offering of the Salat, with Muslims giving thanks to Allah, while the fasting ritual allows them to understand the suffering of others.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, though the exact dates of Ramadan change every year as Islam uses a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon.

A large crowd at the Taste Ramadan event on Liverpool Pier Head last year (Image: Liverpool Echo) What are the rules on relationships and marriage in Ramadan?

During the hours of fasting of each Ramadan, intimate activity is not allowed. This means it’s only okay for couples to kiss, hug, cuddle and engage in sex in the hours before fasting begins and after it ends – so long as they are husband and wife.

Islam doesn’t approve of sexual relationships between those who are not married nor does it permit any kissing in public.

Unmarried couples are encouraged to be apart and should spend time with their own families. It is possible to get married during Ramadan but the same rules still apply and they must wait till fasting hours are over to be affectionate.

For those who are single and taking part in Ramadan, conversations with others are allowed but flirting isn’t as this could to lead intimacy. It is advised to not go on dates, or attend parties but rather dress and act modestly.

What happens if you break the rules?

If you miss or break a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason, there is a punishment for each day when fasting is not properly carried out. This penalty is called Kaffarah and it is an obligatory religious donation to help those most in need.

For a Muslim to atone for their broken fast, religious tradition states that adult Muslims must fast continuously for 60 days. If this is unable to be done, the requirement is to provide one person with two meals a day for two months.

Sign up for the ECHO’s LGBTQIA+ newsletter

Win a 5-night holiday to the Turkish coast at Cook’s Club Adakoy Hotel