When is Ramadan?

The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar has 12 months based on the phases of the Moon, adding up to about 354 or 355 days. Because it is shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves through all the seasons over a cycle of roughly 33 years. Traditionally, the month begins when the new crescent moon is sighted, which is why start dates can differ by a day between countries. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and it is believed to be the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of celebration and charity.