Amna Puri-Mirza
Research Expert covering the Middle East
Ramadan - statistics & facts
A period of fasting is a common religious rite, which is also practiced in Hinduism, during Yom Kippur in Judaism, and during Lent before Easter in Christianity.
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this time, two billion Muslims worldwide consider it their religious duty to fast from sunrise to sunset. They abstain from all so-called worldly desires such as eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activities. This time is used by the majority of Muslims to reboot their relationship with God, their lifestyle, and their health. The majority of Muslims plan to increase their religious worship, pray more regularly, and commit more ‘good deeds’. During this time many reconsider their lifestyle choices: some plan to work out more often during their fast to better their physical wellbeing.
This year however, the Iftar table might look a little different than during the previous years in Muslim households, due to current political situation in the Middle East region. In protest to the crisis in Gaza some Muslims are boycotting global consumer goods brands for local options. Some also anticipated a decline in the purchase of Israeli dates by Muslims consumers.
Why does the date of Ramadan changes every year?
As the Islamic lunar calendar is eleven days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, Ramadan shifts every year and is earlier by eleven days. In 2024, Ramadan is calculated to take place from March 11th to April 9th. The length of the fasting day varies from location to location, depending on the latitude of each location. This year, Ramadan will take place during the spring of the northern hemisphere, resulting in longer fasting hours in northern regions and shorter fasting hours in the southern hemisphere.Breaking the fast 2024
When the sun sets and the fasting day ends, it is custom for Muslims worldwide to break their fast with a date and some water before having a proper meal. Although dates are already a stable food throughout the year in the Middle East and North Africa, the consumption increases sharply during the fasting month. Traditionally Muslims enjoy breaking the fast together with friends and family at gatherings.This year however, the Iftar table might look a little different than during the previous years in Muslim households, due to current political situation in the Middle East region. In protest to the crisis in Gaza some Muslims are boycotting global consumer goods brands for local options. Some also anticipated a decline in the purchase of Israeli dates by Muslims consumers.
