The primary Muslim holidays in 2024 are Ramadan (beginning approximately March 11), Eid al-Fitr (beginning approximately April 10), and Eid al-Adha (beginning approximately June 16). Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, these dates are subject to the sighting of the new moon and move backward by roughly 10 to 11 days each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Other significant observances in 2024 include Isra and Mi’raj in February, the Islamic New Year in July, and Ashura also in July.
The Lunar Calendar System
The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, consists of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. This system began in 622 CE, marking the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, Muslim holidays “cycle” through the seasons over a 33-year period. In 2024, the year spans parts of Hijri 1445 and 1446, requiring observers to stay updated with local moon-sighting committees to confirm exact start dates for religious rites.
Ramadan 2024: Month of Fasting
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, began on or around March 11, 2024, and lasted for 29 or 30 days. It is a period of deep spiritual reflection, communal prayer, and fasting from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
The fast (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is intended to build “Taqwa” or God-consciousness. In 2024, because Ramadan occurred in the spring, fasting hours in the Northern Hemisphere were moderate, while those in the Southern Hemisphere experienced shorter winter days.
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)
Falling within the last ten nights of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr is considered the holiest night of the year. It commemorates the night the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims spend the entire night in the mosque in prayer (I’tikaf), as deeds performed on this night are believed to be better than those of a thousand months.
Eid al-Fitr: Festival of Breaking the Fast
Eid al-Fitr 2024 was observed on or around April 10, 2024, marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. This “Festival of Breaking the Fast” is a time of joy, where Muslims gather for a special congregational prayer in the early morning.
Common traditions include wearing new clothes, giving gifts (Eidi) to children, and consuming sweet treats, which has earned it the nickname “Sweet Eid.” It is also the time for Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation of food or money given to the poor before the Eid prayer to ensure everyone can celebrate.
The Hajj Pilgrimage 2024
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, took place in June 2024, specifically during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable.
Pilgrims perform a series of rituals including circling the Kaaba seven times, running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and standing in vigil at the Plain of Arafat. In 2024, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continued to utilize digital “Nusuk” platforms to manage the millions of visitors from across the globe.
Eid al-Adha: Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha 2024 began on or around June 16, 2024. This holiday honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Before Ibrahim could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice a ritual animal (Qurbani) and divide the meat into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor. This festival also marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Practical Information and Planning
Key Dates for 2024
Isra and Mi’raj: February 7, 2024
Ramadan Starts: March 11, 2024
Eid al-Fitr: April 10, 2024
Eid al-Adha: June 16, 2024
Islamic New Year (1446 AH): July 7, 2024
Ashura: July 16, 2024
What to Expect
In Muslim-majority countries, business hours are significantly reduced during Ramadan. Restaurants may be closed during the day but offer massive “Iftar” (sunset meal) and “Suhoor” (pre-dawn meal) buffets. During the two Eids, government offices and many private businesses close for three to five days.
Tips for Visitors
Dress Modestly: When visiting during Ramadan or Eid, respect local customs by wearing modest clothing in public areas.
Avoid Public Eating: In many regions, eating or drinking in public during Ramadan daylight hours is discouraged or legally restricted.
Greeting: Use “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan/Eid) to greet locals.
Travel Booking: Flights to Saudi Arabia and major transit hubs like Dubai become extremely expensive and fully booked during the Hajj and Eid seasons.
FAQs
Why do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Islamic holidays follow a lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, causing the dates to move “up” each year.
Is 2024 a leap year in the Islamic calendar?
The Hijri calendar has its own cycle of leap years to keep the months in sync with the moon’s phases, but it does not align with the Gregorian leap year of 2024.
What is the greeting for Ramadan?
The most common greetings are “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem.”
How long does Eid al-Fitr last?
While the religious festival is one day, it is culturally celebrated for three days in most countries.
Do all Muslims celebrate Ashura?
Yes, though the significance differs; Sunni Muslims fast to commemorate Moses’ victory over Pharaoh, while Shia Muslims observe it as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali.
Is work cancelled for Muslim holidays in the UK or US?
These are not public bank holidays in Western countries, but many employers offer religious accommodation or allow workers to use annual leave.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
It is a small mandatory charity paid at the end of Ramadan to help those in need enjoy the Eid festivities.
When is the next Islamic New Year?
The Islamic New Year (1446 AH) falls on or around July 7, 2024.
Can non-Muslims participate in Eid?
Yes, Eid is a time of hospitality, and it is very common for Muslims to invite non-Muslim friends and neighbors to join in the feast.
What animal is usually sacrificed for Eid al-Adha?
Common animals include sheep, goats, cows, or camels, depending on the region and the family’s budget.
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