Ramadan 2021 has arrived, meaning the approximately 2 billion Muslims around the world will now be fasting for a whole month.
Observing Ramadan each year is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is observed to commemorate Muhammad's first revelation, when the angel Gabriel visited the prophet, laying the groundwork for what would later become the Qur'an.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting lasts either 29 or 30 days - whenever the next crescent moon appears. Many Muslims also refrain from indulging in sinful behaviour, sex, and tobacco products during Ramadan, instead remaining devoted to prayer and reciting the Qur'an.
All Muslims are expected to fast while the sun is up, save for those who are ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, or menstruating; pregnant women are also exempt if fasting poses a threat to their or their baby's health.
When is Ramadan in 2021?
Ramadan's dates change every year, as it is based upon lunar cycles. For the same reason, it is also difficult to precisely predict the month's dates and times. In 2021, Ramadan is expected to begin on April 12 and to end in the evening of May 11.
Eid al-Fitr then follows, when Muslims can break their fast and celebrate.
Laylat al-Qadr, meanwhile, is expected to fall on or around May 9.
The precise times of these change depending on where in the world and in the country you are, as again they are based on the movements of the sun and the moon.
