This is when Ramadan will begin in 2021 - and the history of the fasting period

Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community before Eid, is coming up in April this year.

So, when is Ramadan this year, what are the prayer timings, and what type of worship is allowed as the Covid pandemic continues?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the history of Ramadan?

Ramadan marks the month when the Quran is said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by God.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims spend 30 days abstaining from all food and fluids, during daylight hours. No water is allowed to be consumed during this time either.

This allows Muslims to reflect on their faith, without distractions.

Fasting (sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam – the fundamental rules that all Muslims follow – along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims give thanks to Allah through prayer and long periods of fasting allows them to understand the suffering of others.

Muslims observing the fast are encouraged to read the Quran and this is also recited at the Tarawih, special nightly prayers that are held throughout the month.

When is Ramadan in 2021?

This year, Ramadan will begin on the evening of Monday 12 April, and will end on the evening of Monday 12 May.

The Islamic calendar is based on the cycle of the moon, meaning the date Ramadan falls on varies from year to year.

Ramadan lasts between 29 and 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle - and is always the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

Muslims holidays shift slightly every year due to their observance of the lunar calendar – meaning celebrations fall around 11 days earlier each year.

The beginning of the celebrations depends on the first sighting of a crescent moon following the new moon, therefore the exact date of celebrations is uncertain until that happens.

Key dates throughout the month of Ramadan include:

Monday, 12 April – Ramadan starts at sunset

Tuesday, 13 April – Sawm, the first full day of fasting

Saturday, 9 May – The Night of Power

Tuesday, 11 May – Last day of Ramadan

Wednesday, 12 May – the festival of Eid al-Fitr start date

Who takes part in fasting?