Muslim communities across the globe mark Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, as a time of fasting (sawm), prayer, meditation, and togetherness. The annual Ramadan observance, which commemorates Muhammad’s first revelation and is considered one of Islam’s Five Pillars, lasts for about 29 days, counting from the first sighting of the crescent moon.

Adult Muslims who are not seriously or chronically ill, travelling, old, lactating, diabetic, or in menstruation must fast from sunrise to dusk. Suhur is the pre-dawn meal, while iftar is the nocturnal feast that breaks the fast.

The timetable of Mecca is often followed by Muslims living in areas with midnight sun or polar night, although it is more typical to follow the timetable of the next nation where night can be differentiated from the day.

During Ramadan, the spiritual advantages (thawab) of fasting are enhanced. So Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, cigarettes, sexual relations, and immoral activity.

Why do the dates of Ramadan change every year?

Because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the date of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar fluctuates from year to year. As a result, Ramadan travels across the seasons of the Gregorian calendar as the month of Ramadan.

The Islamic holy month begins when a crescent moon is visible in the sky, which allows for various sects to begin on different nights depending on where they are located.

It is not surprising that there would be a year in which Muslims will fast twice in the same calendar year.