Why does ramadan change every year?

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, appears to change dates every year on the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, whereas the Gregorian calendar is based on the solar cycle. 

Islamic Calendar: 

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar that consists of 12 months. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. The Islamic calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, which is why Ramadan appears to shift dates on the Gregorian calendar.

Why Ramadan Changes Dates: 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a period of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims. Because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the start date of Ramadan changes every year on the Gregorian calendar. This is because the lunar cycle and the solar cycle are not perfectly synchronized.

How the Dates Shift: 

The Islamic calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, which means that each year, Ramadan appears to shift about 11 days earlier on the Gregorian calendar. This is why Ramadan may start in the spring one year and in the summer a few years later.

Importance of Lunar Calendar: 

The use of the lunar calendar in Islam is significant because it is based on the sighting of the new moon, which is a natural phenomenon that can be observed by anyone. This method of determining the start of Ramadan and other Islamic months is considered more authentic and connected to the natural world.

In summary, Ramadan changes dates every year on the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is not perfectly synchronized with the solar cycle. This shift in dates is a natural result of the differences between the two calendars.