Ramadan Mubarak!

The phrase, meaning “Happy Ramadan,” is frequently used during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time when fasting, prayer and reflection are heavily prioritized.

Ramadan, one of the most sacred times of the year, is part of the five pillars of Islam. It officially kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 17. For those looking for more information on the religious observance, here’s what to know.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan began at sundown on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and continues through sundown on Thursday, March 19. It concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, meaning “the Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

Why do the dates of Ramadan change every year?

The dates for Ramadan fluctuate each year because the holiday is based on the phases of the moon.

The start is determined by a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia, and Ramadan begins the day after the committee spots the new crescent moon. If the moon isn’t visible, lunar calculations are used to predict its location in the sky.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan takes place during the month when Muslims believe the Qur’an started to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, according to the Henry Ford Community College. It’s said the angel Gabriel appeared to him in A.D. 610, giving Muhammad the Islamic holy book. It’s a holy, sacred time focused on worship, prayer, fasting and studying the Qur’an.

Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a requirement during the month of Ramadan, with Muslims abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sundown. The fast is believed to help participants focus on what’s most important in one’s life, as well as increase self-discipline, renew one’s faith and seek out forgiveness. It’s also encouraged to prioritize compassion, helping to increase awareness of Allah, meaning God in Arabic, and be more conscious of the poor, sick and suffering.

Each evening after sundown, the fast is broken with a prayer and meal called iftar. It’s common to spend time with friends and family after iftar, enjoying one another’s company and eating delicious foods before the next day’s fast, beginning at sunrise.

During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time praying at the mosque. Additionally, a sixth prayer, optional, called the Tarawih prayer, is recited in the evening, along with the five daily prayers practiced year-round.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is a festival that marks the end of Ramadan, and it is one of two eids celebrated on the Islamic calendar each year. It is celebrated with special morning prayers, as well as delicious foods and gifts for one’s family or those in need. It’s also considered a time of forgiveness, when Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness.

In countries with larger Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is considered a national holiday, closing schools, businesses, etc., and allowing families, neighbors and friends able to partake in the celebrations together.

When is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr will begin around Thursday, March 19. The holiday depends on when the new moon is observed, so celebrations begin at different times across countries.

How many Muslims live in Indiana?

According to the World Population Review, Indiana has a Muslim population of more than 41,000 people

Islam, however, is the world’s second-largest religion, with over 1.9 billion followers, and is the third-largest religion in the U.S. after Christianity and Judaism. As of 2017, a total of 3.45 million Muslims practiced in the U.S.

The states with the largest Muslim populations include New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and Michigan.

Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: How long is Ramadan? When is Eid al-Fitr?

Reporting by Marina Johnson, USA TODAY NETWORK / Journal Star

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect