The auspicious month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, contemplation, and celebration. To help you prepare for a blessed month this Ramadan, we have provided the key dates to be aware of below.
The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the Holy month of Ramadan falls approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. The Ramadan start date for 2023 is expected to begin on Wednesday 22 March, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca. Lasting for 30 days, Ramadan will end on Friday 21 April, with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr starting on Saturday 22 April or Sunday 23 April.
Sawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and the Arabic word for ‘fasting’. Although fasting occurs elsewhere in the Islamic calendar, it is primarily associated with the month of Ramadan for the month-long fast. Fasting is a key part of Ramadan, and all those of able body and sound mind should fast during this Holy time. Sawm takes place every
day from sunrise to sunset and our Ramadan timetable of daylight hours makes it easier to prepare. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the fasting times as anyone who is still eating their Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) at the completion of the Fajr (call to prayer) is disqualified from that day’s fast.
The sunset and the start of Maghrib prayers mark the end of the day’s fast. It is traditional to break the fast by eating dates, a proven healthy snack, before Iftar (evening meal), which is normally eaten with friends and family.
