Understanding the 33 Year Ramadan Cycle: Why Ramadan Comes Earlier Each Year
Kano, Nigeria | Hausa360 News – Have you ever wondered why Ramadan shifts earlier by about 10 to 12 days each year? The answer lies in the lunar Hijri calendar, which has months lasting 29 or 30 days—making it shorter than the solar (Gregorian) calendar by about 11 days.
According to the Ramadan Cycle, it takes 33 years for Ramadan to complete a full rotation through the seasons, bringing unique experiences for Muslims worldwide.
Highlights from the 33-Year Cycle:
- 2025: Ramadan is expected to start in March (around March 1st).
- 2030: Ramadan will be observed twice in one year – first in January and again in December.
- 2047: Ramadan will fall in June, bringing the longest fasting hours for those in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest for the Southern Hemisphere.
- 2036: Ramadan will shift to November, with shorter fasting hours in the North but longer in the South.
This cycle means Muslims will experience fasting in all four seasons—from long summer days to shorter winter days—over three decades.
The infographic also reminds us that fasting is not just a religious obligation but a journey through time and seasons, connecting Muslims across the globe in a shared spiritual rhythm.
As Ramadan 2025 approaches, expected to begin in early March, Muslims are preparing for both the spiritual blessings and the unique timing that this 33-year cycle continues to unveil.
