Millions of people worldwide are preparing to observe the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that carries great significance for Muslims.
During Ramadan, followers will fast, pray, and give to charity to commemorate the occasion, culminating in a grand prayer and celebration. Unlike fixed-date religious holidays, Ramadan’s start varies each year due to its lunar-based calendar, causing communities to potentially begin observing it on different dates influenced by local customs and moon sightings.
Many communities rely on Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee to officially declare the start of Ramadan as they use specialized equipment to monitor the moon’s cycle. Overseas Muslims are advised to follow the guidance of their nearest Muslim-majority country, such as Morocco in the case of the UK.
In Morocco, astronomers project that Ramadan will likely begin on Thursday, February 19, while UK astronomers suggest the moon may not be visible in Mecca on Tuesday, February 17. Forecasts indicate that the crescent moon will be easily visible in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, February 18, signaling the probable start of Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, or potentially on Friday, February 20 depending on sightings.
If unsure about when to start observing Ramadan, individuals can try observing the moon themselves or consult their local mosque for guidance. Muslims traditionally start their fasting at sunset, just before the Fajr prayer at dawn.
Reports indicate that Ramadan is expected to commence in the UK on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, with the first full day of fasting falling on Thursday, February 19. It’s essential to verify prayer times with local mosques as they may vary based on location during Ramadan.
