The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is right around the corner.
Muslims all over the world will take part in fasting, prayer, and charity to mark the occasion. However, unlike other religious holidays many people may be familiar with, Ramadan does not start on the same day each year.
This is because the Islamic calendar is determined by the cycle of the moon. To make matters more complicated in knowing when Ramadan starts, different institutions may give slightly different dates depending on local practices, traditions, and predictions of the moon cycle.
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Here is when it is generally understood when Ramadan will start in the UK in 2023...
When does Ramadan start in the UK?
Many institutions lean on the decision of a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia that use specialised equipment to determine the cycle of the moon. Ramadan starts when the crescent moon coincides with the astronomical new moon.
Current predictions state that Ramadan 2023 will start on either Wednesday, March 22 or Thursday, March 23. If you are unsure of which date to observe the start of Ramadan, you can either attempt to observe the moon yourself and decide, or, you can ask your local imam who should be able to provide a definitive answer.
What time should British Muslims begin observing Ramadan in 2023?
Traditionally the Islamic day begins at sunset, not sunrise. Therefore, Muslims will begin their fast just before the Fajr prayer in the early hours of the morning as the sun rises.
According to Manchester Central Mosque, the Fajr prayer will begin at 4.08am on March 22 and 4.05am on March 23. Meanwhile, East London Mosque states Fajr will start at 4.20am on the first night of Ramadan.
It's important to note that prayer times may vary depending on where you live so always check with your local mosque for when Fajr will begin on Ramadan.
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