Islam is the third largest faith in the United States, after Christianity and Judaism, representing almost 1% of the population. The American Muslim population stands a strong chance of doubling in size by 2050 and becoming the second largest religion by 2040, based on new estimates from the Pew Research Center.
The first real wave of Muslims in the United States of America was composed of African slaves (10 to 15% were said to be Muslims). Between 1878 and 1924, Muslim immigrants from the Middle East, particularly from Syria and Lebanon, arrived in large numbers. And after 30-years of excluding most immigrants, the United States flung open its doors again in 1952 and new groups of Muslims came from places such as Palestine, Iraq, and Egypt. The 1960s saw waves of South-east Asian Muslims also making their way to America.
Muslims in the United States Of America ; like their brothers and sisters all over the world; give a special importance to the teachings and rituals of Islam, especially the blessed month of Ramadan. Because it permits them to create a connection and draw closer to Allah (SWT) by reaping the many awards that lie in this holy month. With no doubt, Ramadan is a great opportunity for the Muslim to learn discipline, self control, tolerance, and solidarity, but also an opportunity not to be missed to help the needy and the poor. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest”.
One of the largest Muslim organizations in North America is the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America). It's a very important unifying Islamic Organization that provides various services for Muslim immigrants and Muslim communities in North America. In order to determine the beginning of each month of the Islamic calendar, the ISNA and the Crescent Committee (Responsible of the lunar observation), are considered reliable sources to announce the date of the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Assabile.com, your favorite website, will keep you informed of the exact day of the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan 1445/2024 in the United States of America. According to the Crescent Committee (North America), Ramadan 1445/2024 will begin insha’ Allah on 11 March 2024 (more or less one day).
May Allah (SWT) bless you, and accept your fasting and your prayers.
Written by: Amine Hilal
Thank you for the valuable information. I needed to find out for certain if tomorrow (May 16th) will be the first day of Ramadan or not. Now I can fast without any doubts. Jazaak-Allah.