When does Ramadan start?
The countdown shows the time left until the first day of Ramadan according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, updating every second. The month actually begins when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the 29th of Sha‘ban, or after Sha‘ban completes 30 days, and is announced officially — so the real date may be a day earlier or later than shown.
Taraweeh prayer begins on the night before the first fast, because the Islamic day starts at sunset.
The virtue of Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed: “The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (Quran 2:185). In it is Laylat al-Qadr, which is “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3).
Frequently asked questions
Is the countdown accurate?
The countdown is exact to the expected date in the Umm al-Qura calendar; the final date is set by the official moon-sighting announcement.
When are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Their expected dates are listed above: Eid al-Fitr on 1 Shawwal, and Eid al-Adha on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, with the Day of Arafah the day before.