When does Ramadan end 2024? When is Eid al-Fitr? And could the solar eclipse delay it?

For the last several weeks, Muslims have taken part in the holy month of Ramadan, but there is still one week left before the big celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Each year, more than a billion people observe Ramadan around the world. The date when the holy month starts changes as it follows the lunar calendar, which shifts by about 11 days each year. The exact date always depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

For Ramadan 2024, the moon was sighted on the night of Sunday, March 10. Since then, Muslims who observe Ramadan have taken part in the tradition with sunrise to sunset fasting for the entire month, praying, giving and spending time with family. When the month of fasting is over though, it is time to celebrate.

Take a look at when Ramadan is expected to end and just what kind of celebration Eid al-Fitr is.

When does Ramadan end 2024?

The last day of Ramadan is expected to be April 9 or 10, with the following day being the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. However, like the start of Ramadan, the end of the month is contingent on the sighting of the moon.

But Monday's solar eclipse may give us some insight when Ramadan will actually end.

Will Monday's solar eclipse effect when Ramadan ends?

The end of Ramadan and the start of Eid coincides with the a solar eclipse this year, which could make things a little less confusing.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler told USA TODAY since the eclipse will happen Monday in the early afternoon , the moon phase will be no more than five to six hours old at sunset, so it "will not be possible to see the crescent Moon that evening."

"The crescent Moon should be visible the following day at sunset, but not on Monday," Zeiler said.

That means Eid probably won't fall on Tuesday, but nothing is definite until the crescent moon is spotted.

When is Eid Al-Fitr? How is it celebrated?

Eid Al-Fitr starts when Ramadan ends.

To celebrate the completion of Ramadan, Muslims observe one of the two celebratory holidays in the Islamic faith, Eid Al-Fitr. This celebration is a time when Muslims come together in prayer and traditions that vary in families across the world. It's not uncommon for families to buy new clothes, get dressed up, gather together, and give presents or money to each other.

"It's a festive holiday to look forward to," Imam Ebad Rahman, Religious Life Associate for Muslim Life at Columbia University, told USA TODAY.

What is Ramadan?

It's the ninth month of the Islamic or Hijri, calendar. Muslims believe that it was during this month that God revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan is a holy month that is dedicated to fasting, prayer, quality time, reflection and charity and is observed by more than a billion Muslims all over the world.

Why do people fast during Ramadan?

Muslim people who have reached puberty will fast from sunrise to sunset as a practice of self-restraint intended to build the relationship with God.

Fasting can last for 29 or 30 days depending on when the moon signifying the start of the next month is spotted.

USA Today contributed to this report.