When is Ramadan 2023? Expected start date and moon sighting explained
Ramadan is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar, with the start date tomorrow, according to the moon sighting.
It is the ninth month of the lunar calendar (which is based on the phases of the moon) and commemorates when the Qur’an – the main scripture for Islam – was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
But the dates of Ramadan are not set in stone as they are linked to particular sightings of the moon by religious officials – so the start of Ramadan in 2023 will different to last year.
Ramadan is observed by around 1.8 billion Muslims across the world, and fasting is a key part, so practising Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and many also avoid smoking and gossiping.
So when does Ramadan 2023 start and why exactly is it a different date to last year?
Here’s what you need to know.
When is Ramadan 2023?
The holy month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday March 23.
The announcement was made by the moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia – known as the Hilal Sighting Committee – who announced on Tuesday March 21 that the new moon had not yet been seen over Mecca, and that the month would therefore last for one more day.
The first fast of the first day will begin at around 4.20am and end at 6.20pm.
Ramadan usually falls about ten days earlier each year on the 365 day solar calendar.
This means that by 2033, it’s likely to fall in November.
The charity Islamic Relief has listed sunrise and sunset times for Ramadan 2023 for London and other UK cities.
During Ramadan, Muslims will have one meal before dawn (the Suhoor) and one after sunset (the Iftar), though children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone who is ill do not have to fast.
Those who are unable to fast can either do so at a later date to make up for this, or pay kaffrah or fidya instead – charitable donations which go to help feed those less fortunate.
Ramadan lasts for a lunar month, so in 2023 – depending on when it starts – it is due to end around Friday, April 21. This is followed by a celebratory Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, known as Eid al-Fitr, which takes place for up to three days.
Eid al-Fitr is expected to start around Saturday, April 22, 2023 as this, too, is linked to the lunar cycle, so is a truly moveable feast.
Why does the date of Ramadan change?
As the charity Muslim Aid explains, the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon – the lunar cycle.
Ramadan only begins when a new (crescent) moon is sighted in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad.
The full moon marks the middle of Ramadan, which will last 29 to 30 days until the next new moon is seen over Mecca.
We have a new moon on average every 29.5 days in the solar year, and the tiny sliver of moon which marks the start of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr is officially known by NASA as a ‘waxing crescent’.
It’s customary to wish people ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ (blessed Ramadan) during the 30 days, and ‘Eid Mubarak’ (blessed celebration) during Eid-al-Fitr.
MORE : Full list of London Suhoor and Iftar times for Ramadan 2023
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