When Does Ramadan End This Year? | Metro News

Ramadan is an important time for Muslims across the world.

It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is marked by a month-long period of daytime fasting.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, unlike the Gregorian calendar, so the exact dates of when Ramadan begins and ends change every year.

This year’s Ramadan started on the evening of April 13, with the month-long fasting currently underway – but when does it end?

When does Ramadan end this year?

Ramadan lasts for a month of the Islamic calendar, which is either 29 or 30 days.

If a new moon isn’t seen on the 29th day, then the existing month goes on for one more day.

For this year’s Ramadan, Tuesday, May 11 will be the 29th day, and Wednesday, May 12 the 30th day.

Ramadan will end on either one of those dates depending on a verified moon sighting, with The Jeddah Astronomical Association reportedly saying that the most likely sighting date for the Shawwal moon will be Wednesday, May 12.

The final evening of Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr – which would be on Thursday May 13 – when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast.

Eid al-Fitr means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast.’

How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

There are many traditions observed over Eid al-Fitr.

Muslims will generally begin the celebrations by gathering at mosques or in open-air locations to recite the prayers on the first morning of the festival.

From there, they will gather with friends and family for breakfast, their first day-time feast since Ramadan started.

The feasting continues into the day, as people wear their best clothes, give each other presents, and visit the graves of deceased relatives.

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As one of the Five Pillars of Islam is giving to charity – Zakat – those celebrating will also mark the festival by giving to charity and helping out others.

Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days and is a national holiday in Muslim countries.

Arrow MORE: Ramadan 2021: How to calculate Zakat

Arrow MORE: Why do Muslims fast for Ramadan and what does it represent?

Arrow MORE: What's the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

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