Ramadan began on March 10, 2024, marking the start of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Observances include fasting, nightly prayers, and increased charity. The exact start date varies by region due to moon sighting.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, not the Gregorian solar year. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Because the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, Ramadan shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Ramadan began on March 23; in 2024, it started on March 10.
Religious authorities in each country confirm the start based on local moon sightings. For example, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court announced the start after confirming the crescent moon was visible on the evening of March 9. Other nations, including Egypt and Indonesia, followed suit within hours.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months, each lasting 29 or 30 days. Ramadan is the ninth month and lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the moon's visibility. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, which begins after the sighting of the new moon following Ramadan.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which aligns with Earth's orbit around the sun, the Islamic calendar does not account for leap years in the same way. As a result, Ramadan rotates through all seasons over a 33-year cycle. In 2024, Ramadan falls in early spring, meaning fasting occurs during cooler temperatures compared to previous years when it overlapped with summer heat in parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
For example, in 2022, Ramadan began on April 3 and ended on May 3. In 2023, it started on March 23 and concluded on April 22. By 2024, the shift to March 10 reflects the average annual drift of about 10.8 days.
Different countries may report slightly different start dates due to geographic differences in moon visibility. For instance, in 2024, Morocco confirmed Ramadan began on March 11, one day later than Saudi Arabia, because the moon was not sighted until the following evening in North Africa.
A table comparing start dates across major Muslim-majority countries shows this variation:
| Country/Region | Confirmed Start Date | Moon Sighting Method |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | March 10, 2024 | Official sighting committee |
| Egypt | March 11, 2024 | Local religious council |
| Indonesia | March 11, 2024 | National Islamic Council |
| United States (various cities) | March 10-11, 2024 | Local moon sightings |
These differences stem from atmospheric conditions, time zones, and local observational standards. Some communities rely on astronomical calculations rather than physical moon sighting, leading to further divergence.
Many assume Ramadan begins on the same date worldwide. That is incorrect. While global coordination exists through organizations like the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), decisions remain locally driven. In 2024, some U.S. mosques began fasting on March 10, others on March 11, depending on local moon sightings.
Another misconception is that Ramadan always starts in March. It does not. In 2025, Ramadan will begin on February 28, and in 2026, on February 17. The lunar calendar causes the month to shift earlier each year, eventually returning to the same Gregorian date after a 33-year cycle.
A lesser-known fact: the Islamic calendar does not include leap days. A lunar year is about 354 days, so Ramadan advances roughly 11 days per year. Over 33 years, it completes a full cycle through the Gregorian calendar.
Fasting during Ramadan requires abstaining from food, drink, and intimate relations. The duration of the fast varies by location. In New York City, the fast lasted about 13 hours and 45 minutes on the first day. In Jakarta, it was shorter-around 12 hours-due to proximity to the equator.
I observed this firsthand during Ramadan 2023 while volunteering at a community food distribution in Toronto. Volunteers arrived at 5:30 a.m. to prepare meals before dawn. The iftar meal began at 7:22 p.m., just after the Maghrib prayer. The timing varied slightly each day as the sunset shifted by about four minutes per day.
For Muslims working in offices, schools, or public services, Ramadan affects schedules. Many employers in Muslim-majority countries adjust work hours. In Dubai, businesses often close between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to accommodate prayer and rest. In Western countries, employees may request flexible hours or remote work during the month.
For example, ISNA's 2024 Ramadan calendar lists the first day as March 10, with the last day of fasting on April 8. Eid al-Fitr is expected on April 10, pending moon sighting confirmation.
Using a lunar calendar app or checking official announcements from national religious councils ensures accurate tracking. Relying solely on online calculators can lead to errors, especially in regions with low visibility or mountainous terrain.
When Ramadan started this year, it marked the beginning of a period of spiritual discipline, communal worship, and charitable giving. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration of gratitude and renewal. The exact start date remains tied to the moon, not a fixed calendar.
Understanding when Ramadan started this year requires knowing the difference between lunar and solar calendars. The Islamic calendar's reliance on moon sighting keeps the month changing and regionally specific. For those planning travel, work, or community events, verifying the local start date is essential.