Ramadan 2024: when is the first day ? And when does it end ?

“Ramadan 2024: when is the first day? And when does it end?”

Ramadan 2024 begins soon, Muslims around the world who follow the tradition will fast for several weeks. Here is an update on the dates and origins of Ramadan.

When does the month of Ramadan begin? This is the question that all Muslims following the injunctions of the month of fasting ask themselves every year. And often there is uncertainty about how to set the date, which changes every year.

It is, however, a certainty for the French Council of Muslim Worship: the first day of Ramadan in the year 2024 takes place < strong>Monday March 11, 2024. According to this institution bringing together several associations representing Muslims in France, the dates of the month of Ramadan (ninth month of the year ;e according to Islamic tradition) can, in fact, be known   advance thanks to astronomical calculations which anticipate the lunar phases and therefore the new moon which marks the start of a new month. The date of March 11 is therefore considered a scientific fact, it is clearly stated in a press release. published February 14.

But Islam has many traditions including that of the Night of Doubt, which confirms by observing the sky and the Moon the change of month and therefore the beginning ;eacute;goal and end of Ramadan. Muslim federations are divided over what they want. the method é used to definitively establish the dates of Ramadan, also the Grand Mosque of Paris requires that the Moon be seen in the sky.  The announcement from the Parisian religious body is therefore authentic and is expected by all Muslims in France every year. The Great Mosque of Paris has set the date of the "Night of Doubt" : it will take place on Sunday March 10, which means that Ramadan will begin either Monday March 11 or Tuesday March 12. It is very likely that a consensus will be found. on a fixed start date for Ramadan to March 11, 2024.

Since 2003, the CFCM has been responsible for dialogue between the State and the Muslim faith. of federations attached to the different countries of origin (Algeria, Turkey, Morocco, etc.), the CFCM was ;eacute; ébranlé by powerful internal differences. In December 2021, the former executive made the choice to prefer the Forif – body bringing together field actors designated by the prefects – as interlocutor. It is this same Forif which met on Thursday, after a year of existence, in order to present its first works.  Several federations of mosques had split from the CFCM in March 2021. The French Council of Muslim Worship has decided to take action. to continue its existence.

The traditional method of "Night of doubt" takes place à the Great Mosque of Paris & twice for Ramadan, before and à the end of the month of fasting. The institution then brings together the Muslim federations of the country for an observation of the moon which determines the entry into a new month in accordance with the lunar calendar. If the crescent moon (hilal) is seen by Muslims in the sky, the month of Ramadan begins on next day, otherwise it starts the day after tomorrow.

The night of doubt 2024 has been released set for Sunday March 10 by the authorities of the Great Mosque of Paris.

We therefore only know the start and end dates of the month of Ramadan on the 29th day of the month, in this case on the 29th day of the month of Chaabane (eighth' (th month of the Muslim religious calendar) for the beginning and the 29th day of the month of Ramadan itself for the end. The Great Mosque of Paris therefore reminds on its website that a one-day delay is possible, " ;agrave; starting from the Night of Doubt, for the entry into the month of Ramadan. The same goes for the end of the month and the entry into the following month, synonymous with the end of deprivations. "This shift day is disappointing! &agrav; the observation or not of the crescent moon which marks the beginning and end of each of the twelve months which make up the lunar calendar on which Islam is based' .

The Aïd el-Fitr festival is one of the most important for practicing Muslims. The month of Shawwal (tenth month of the Muslim calendar) begins precisely with the festival at the end of the fast of the New Year. Aïd El Fitr. Every year, the breaking of the fast is celebrated every year. this occasion by Muslims, among friends, families and close family members and marked by an important prayer in the morning. During the Aïd of recent years, he hasé recommended by the Paris Mosque that Zakat is say the charity for breaking the fast, i.e. 7 euros. In 2024, the Aïd must take place around April 10. 

The omra constitutes a form of pilgrimage à the holy city of Mecca (Saudi Arabia). Conversely du hajj, the great pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, umrah is not obligatory. Also note that if the hajj can only be done during the last month of the Muslim year, umrah is possible throughout the year. It is however recommended to practice it during the month of Ramadan.

What are the two same methods for setting the dates of Ramadan?

The Muslim calendar is based on on a lunar calendar: this means that we change months from month to month. the new Moon. The entry into the month of Ramadan as well as its end and the entry into the month of Shawwal therefore depend on the new Moon. But there is a conflict of opinion between those who consider that it is absolutely necessary to see the star in the sky and those who trust & agrave; astronomical science to ensure that we enter a new lunar month.

The proponents of the scientific method believe that astronomical calculations are reliable on the appearance of the Moon and that setting at Advance dates for the start and end of Ramadan allows believers to organize their abstinence in advance, but also the festivities of Ramadan. Aïd. This would also unify the dates of Ramadan around the world.

The proponents of "tradition" consider that observation ' The naked eye of the new Moon (the very first crescent Moon) in the sky is essential, whatever the scientific calculations. It is only if the Moon is visible that we enter a new lunar month.

The Theological Commission of the Grand Mosque of Paris has been trying to reach a compromise since 2022 and is taking a decision. both in consideration of the observation of the Moon and the results of work on the adoption of scientific computing and data universal astronomical tools for determining the beginning and end of the blessed month of Ramadan." And to emphasize that these are "two complementary methods".

The fourth pillar of Islam is respected. by many practicing Muslims in France: according to INSEE, 5 million believers practice Ramadan each year in France. Worldwide, more than 1.5 billion people are affected. During the month of Ramadan, practicing Muslims observe the I  ucirc;ne between dawn and sunset.

Beyond of abstinence from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, this month is marked by a multitude of deeply rooted traditions which aim, according to Islam, to enrich the spiritual experience of believers . For practicing Muslims, these traditions hold great importance, providing a valuable opportunity for spiritual growth, solidarity and solidarity. and connection with their faith.

At the heart of Ramadan is fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. This fundamental pillar represents much more than simple abstinence from food and drink during daylight hours. For practicing Muslims, fasting is an act of worship and devotion to Allah. It is a period of physical and spiritual purification, where Believers strive to abstain not only from food and drink, but also from harmful behaviors such as anger, slander, and backbiting. Fasting offers an opportunity to heal. to strengthen one's will, patience and discipline, while drawing closer – according to believers – closer to God. through the temporary deprivation of material needs.

During Ramadan, prayer occupies a prominent place in the lives of practicing Muslims. In addition to the five obligatory prayers performed throughout the year, believers devote a significant portion of their daily time to prayer. prayer during this blessed month. Particularly important are the special night prayers called Tarawihs. These additional prayers, often performed in congregation at the same time, The mosque, provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen the spiritual connection with Allah and meditate on the teachings of Islam. Reading and reciting the Quran are also essential practices of Ramadan, allowing believers to deepen their understanding of their faith and find inspiration and insight. comfort in the sacred words of God.

Another essential tradition of Ramadan is that of charity. and sharing. During this month, practicing Muslims are encouraged to practice their religion. Be generous to those less fortunate by giving charity to others. and organizing meals for those in need. This practice embodies the values ​​of compassion and empathy at the heart of Islam, strengthening community bonds and providing vital support to others. those who need it. Additionally, sharing meals with family, friends and neighbors creates a sense of camaraderie and conviviality. which enriches the spirit of Ramadan.

Finally, the culinary tradition of Ramadan plays a central role in the celebration of this blessed month. Practicing Muslims enthusiastically anticipate the delicious culinary specialties that complement their fast-breaking meals, known as Iftar. These traditional dishes vary by culture and region, but they all share the same goal: bringing families and communities together around the table to share a moment of joy and gratitude after a day of fasting.