Ramadan Calendar 2012
Plan your Ramadan 2012 with our accurate Islamic calendar. View Hijri dates, fasting times, and Eid celebrations.
Today's Hijri Date
14 Shawwal 1447 AH
Ramadan 2012 Starts
July 20
Ramadan 2012 Ends
August 19
Eid al-Fitr 2012
August 20
July 2012
Shaban 1433 AH
Islamic Holidays 2012
Mawlid an-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
12 Rabi al-Awwal 1433 AH
Start of Ramadan
1 Ramadan 1433 AH
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)
27 Ramadan 1433 AH
Eid al-Fitr
1 Shawwal 1433 AH
Day of Arafah
9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1433 AH
Eid al-Adha
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1433 AH
Islamic New Year
1 Muharram 1434 AH
Ashura
10 Muharram 1434 AH
When Is Ramadan 2012?
Ramadan 2012 begins on Friday, July 20, 2012 and ends on Sunday, August 19, 2012. During this holy month, over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide observe fasting from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).
Ramadan 2012 Starts
July 20
Friday
Ramadan 2012 Ends
August 19
Sunday
Eid al-Fitr 2012
August 20
Monday
* Dates are based on astronomical calculations. Actual dates may vary by 1-2 days depending on local moon sighting in your region.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan (رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the holiest month in Islam. It commemorates the month in which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
During Ramadan, Muslims observe Sawm — one of the Five Pillars of Islam — by fasting from dawn to sunset. This includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs during daylight hours.
The month is also a time for increased prayer, charity (Zakat), self-reflection, and community gathering. The end of Ramadan is marked by the joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر).
Daily Fasting Schedule
Suhoor (السحور)
Before DawnPre-dawn meal before Fajr prayer
Fajr Prayer
DawnMarks the beginning of the daily fast
Fasting (Sawm)
DaytimeAbstain from food, drink, and more
Iftar (الإفطار)
SunsetBreak fast, traditionally with dates & water
Maghrib Prayer
EveningSunset prayer, end of daily fast
Tarawih (تراويح)
NightSpecial Ramadan night prayers
Ramadan Dates — 2010 to 2015
Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan moves approximately 11 days earlier each year.
✨ Laylat al-Qadr 2012 (Night of Power)
Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر) is the holiest night in Islam, believed to be when the first verses of the Quran were revealed. It falls on one of the odd nights during the last 10 days of Ramadan — traditionally the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night. Worship on this night is considered better than a thousand months of worship (Quran 97:3).
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan 2012
When does Ramadan 2012 start and end?
Ramadan 2012 starts on Friday, July 20 and ends on Sunday, August 19. Eid al-Fitr is expected on Monday, August 20.
How is the start of Ramadan determined?
The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal) marking the 1st of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Some countries follow local moon sighting, while others follow astronomical calculations or the Saudi Arabian announcement.
Who is exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
Those exempt include: children who haven't reached puberty, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, travelers on long journeys, those who are physically or mentally ill, and women during menstruation. Many must make up missed fasts later (Qada) or provide Fidyah (feeding a poor person for each missed day).
Why does Ramadan move to different dates each year?
The Islamic Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar with approximately 354 days — about 11 days shorter than the 365-day Gregorian solar calendar. This causes Ramadan to shift earlier by roughly 11 days each year, cycling through all four seasons over a period of about 33 years.
What is the significance of Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر), meaning "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal immediately after Ramadan ends. It includes special prayers, giving of Zakat al-Fitr (charity), wearing new clothes, and gathering with family and friends for feasts and celebrations.
Ramadan Calendar for Other Years
Plan ahead — view Ramadan dates for past and upcoming years.