2018 Ramadan
The 2018 Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, May 15th and will go on for 30 days until Thursday, June 14th. Eid al Fitr Date is expected to be on Friday, 15th June 2018. Remember, these are tentative dates - actual date is contingent on the sighting of the moon of Ramadan, the 9th month in the Islamic calendar.
Even though Ramadan is at all times on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar differs yearly. This is so because the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar vs the Islamic calendar which is a lunar calendar. This variation means that Ramadan moves in the Gregorian calendar around eleven days each year. The date of Ramadan may also differ from country to country, dependent on the moon being sighted or not.
The final dates aren't known until a day or two before, because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
Throughout Ramadan, there is a celebratory atmosphere after sunset. In many cities, Muslims will go out after they have broken the fast to visit with friends and family members or simply to take a walk. Restaurants and shopping areas will be open, busy and alive with activities and conversation. On the 27th day of Ramadan, fireworks will be set off to once again commemorate the Night of Power, which is the night that Muhammed was initially given revelation of the Koran in 610.
The end of Ramadan is always a happy occasion, and is called Eid-ul-Fitr, usually lasting 3 days. It is referred to as an event of continuous happiness, and will be observed with sweets, feasts, special prayers and gift-giving. Ramadan is a time to rejoice and be grateful for the gift of the Koran. It is a time when Muslims consider the poor, practice self-control, and be dedicated to the Islamic faith.
Ramadan News
- Iraq to hold 2018 elections 3 days earlier because of Ramadan
- Istanbul's giant Camlica Mosque to welcome worshippers in Ramadan 2018
Calendar
Upcoming Ramadan Calendar dates
2018 - May 15 to June 14
2019 - May 5 to June 4
2020 - April 23 to May 23
2021 - April 12 to May 11
2022 - April 2 to May 1
2023 - March 22 to April 20
Ramadan Trivia
How exactly are the Ramadan calendar dates determined? The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, you can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. Naturally, there are and will always be disagreements about the exact start and end dates of Ramadan when using the naked eye. More recently however, more Muslims are turning to the use of astronomical calculations in order to avoid this confusion.