Ramadan 2024 Begins in Less Than 30 Days!

Ramadan 2024 is nearly here

For millions of Muslims all over the world, Ramadan is one of the best times of the year. The 9^th lunar month, every year Ramadan offers Muslims a chance for increased worship, reflection, charitable giving and seeking of mercy. Ramadan is considered a mercy to mankind, offering those who observe it, the chance to be forgiven for their sins, and to be elevated in Allah (swt)’s ranking. In these few weeks before Ramadan 2024 begins, many Muslims feel an excitement building as they prepare their homes for our sacred visitor and preparing the mind and body for a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.

Fasting in Ramadan is a core part of the Islamic faith – one of the five pillars of faith. All good deeds are rewarded at least 70 times more during Ramadan, and even more during the final ten nights. As it is so important, Muslims yearn for the month, and many will prepare to welcome the month by setting intentions and goals for Ramadan 2024, forgiving those who have wronged them, calculating Zakat, and planning meals to avoid excess time in the kitchen.

Understanding Ramadan

Fasting in Ramadan in obligatory upon all Muslims in good health and in sound mind, who have passed the age of puberty. There are some exceptions, as those who are unwell, pregnant, breastfeeding, or travelling, are exempt from fasting.

Ramadan fasting times are from sunrise to sunset, which means that fasting times in Ramadan 2024 are different to previous years. The Ramadan UK 2023 iftar time is different to this year, as the lunar calendar means that Ramadan falls 10 days earlier each year. While fasting, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking, as well as sexual intimacy. Many people also refrain from listening to music and from verbal profanities to protect their fast.

A special duaa is made at the start and end of every fast, which confirms intention and adds greater blessings to the fast.

Duaa for closing/starting fast: Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan

English Translation: I intend to fast tomorrow in this month of Ramadan

Duaa for opening/breaking fast: Allahumma inni laka sumtu, wa bika aamantu, [wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu], wa Ala rizqika aftartu.

English translation: Oh Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance.

Ramadan 2024 in the UK

In the UK this year, Ramadan will begin on 11^th March 2024, and end on 10^th April. As the seasons change, this year’s fasting will be significantly shorter than last year, making the fasts less intense for many Muslims in the UK.

To have accurate Ramadan fasting times, it is important to use a Ramadan calendar or a Ramadan timetable which detail the timings of iftar, suhoor and each of the five prayers.

As the UK is not a Muslim country, people are expected to work and go to school or university as normal. However, it is encouraged for people to speak to their employers and institutions about Ramadan, as they can sometimes support with flexible working or accommodate responsibilities accordingly. Many Muslims in the UK enjoy iftar meals at home with their family and friends, or at the mosque with wider communities. Charities, community centres and mosques will arrange an array of events and activities, bringing together communities throughout Ramadan 2024. 

Ramadan Calendar and Timetable

Using a calendar or a Ramadan timetable will take away an element of uncertainty for you, each day. Using a calendar means you have accurate information regarding Ramadan fasting times and Ramadan dates at your fingertips, so you can plan your day accordingly. It is important to note that you might need to slightly tweak the timings of the calendar depending on your location.

When Does Ramadan 2024 Start?

Ramadan will begin when the new moon is sighted at the end of the lunar month of Shaban, declaring the end of the month and the beginning of the new one. The exact Ramadan start date can only be confirmed upon sighting of the new moon.

Zakat and Generosity During Ramadan

Ramadan is a great time to give charity, as the month itself promotes compassion, seeking forgiveness and reaping rewards. Helping those in need through charity, whether it is Zakat, Sadaqah or Lillah, is beloved to Allah’s messenger, Prophet Muhammad (saw), and to Allah (swt) Himself. In Ramadan, giving in charity is even more rewarded and loved, and is a way to make the most of the holy month.

As all good deeds are rewarded up to 70 times more in Ramadan, many people choose to donate their Zakat during the holy month. In Ramadan 2024, you can fulfil the third pillar of Islam and pay Zakat, which is a 2.5% charitable payment on wealth by people who own wealth above the value of the Nisab.

Zakat is a form of redistribution of wealth, where the poor and needy around the world are supported and uplifted with every donation. Paying Zakat can make the world of difference to a vulnerable community or family, as you can provide food, clean water, shelter, livelihood opportunities, and the very things they need to escape a life of poverty. With Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, your Zakat can truly help some of the world’s most impoverished people, and our 100% Zakat policy, means every single penny goes directly to those in need, 100% of the time.

Feed 1 Million Ramadan Project

Al Mustafa Trust has introduced the Feed 1 million project that aims to fight hunger this Ramadan. We will provide food and iftar meals to needy communities around the world. With over 783 million people facing starvation and recent conflicts exacerbating the crisis, our goal is to ensure no one goes hungry during this holy month and beyond.

Join us in making a significant impact by providing food for 1 million people and empowering them to focus on their spiritual journey this Ramadan.

Donate for Ramadan Feed 1 Million