Ramadan 2017 dates, timetable in India and around the world: When will the month of fasting begin?

The holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching and Muslims around the world are already busy in the preparation of the ninth Islamic month of the year. Like every year, Ramadan will fall on a different month on the Gregorian calendar this year as well. Based on the astronomical predictions, the Muslim holy month will begin from May 27.

If the prediction is right, Muslims will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on June 24, which will mark the end of Ramadan, according to the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA). Both predictions are subject to change, depending on sighting of the crescent moon later this month.

Last year, Ramadan started early in June, but due to the shorter Islamic year, which is based on cycle of the moon, as compared to the English calendar, the holy Muslim month will commence a few days earlier. The month of Shaban, which falls before Ramadan, started on Thursday after Saudi Arabia and other countries around the world observed the crescent on Wednesday. The same practice will be followed to mark the beginning of Ramadan this month.

"The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar'i method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses the criteria of European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which are that somewhere on the globe, at the sunset, the elongation should be at least 8 degrees and moon should be at least 5 degrees above horizon. If this condition is met, the month starts the next day, otherwise the month starts on the day following next. The presence of moon above horizon at sunset is the basis," FCNA announced.

Other than the varying dates between Lunar and Gregorian calendars for Ramadan, the geographical locations of different countries also play a key role. If the people in Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan on May 27; Muslims in India and Pakistan are likely to observe Ramadan May 28 onwards.

Depending on sighting of the moon, there might be a difference of up to two days between the countries on both side of the planet.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world will observe fasts from dawn till dusk, which is the main highlight of the month. Prayers and almsgiving is practised more religiously than other months of the year. In the month of Ramadan, the soul is considered to be purified of all evil influence and the person's faith in Allah becomes stronger as a result.