It’s an important time of the year for those in the Muslim community as Ramadan 2023 is set to begin. However, a stipulation of its start is seeing the crescent moon over Mecca. We answer if there has been a moon sighting in Saudi Arabia and where else it celebration has begun.
Due to begin today, those who partake in Ramadan are waiting to hear if the festivities can start or if they will be delayed until tomorrow. For those eager to know, we look into what has happened.
Has There Been A Moon Sighting In Saudi Arabia?
No, the crescent moon was not sighted over Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening. This means that Ramadan 2023 will officially begin on Thursday, March 23.
This means that today, March 22 is the last day that those who partake can eat as usual. From tomorrow, those in the Muslim community will fast from sunrise until sunset, broken with a meal called Ifta made with traditional foods.
What Are The Ramadan 2023 Dates?
Dates will vary depending on where you are in the world but will last for 30 days from the first day. According to Islamic Relief, these are the dates for 2023:
- First Ramadan: March 23
- Last Ramadan: April 21
Glasgow, Nuuk, Reykjavik, Helsinki, Stockholm and will have the longest fast of 17 hours on April 17. Comparatively, those in Kingscott, Chile will have the shortest fasting period that day of under 12 hours.
Those in places where the sun does not currently set will follow the timings of the nearest Muslim country or of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Ramadan Celebrations And Greetings
Ceremonies will take place across the world to mark the first day of Ramadan, a month noting reflection and community.
Prayers are taken five times a day, with many going to a Mosque for several hours a day, especially for the communal prayer, Tarawih.
On day 27 of Ramadan, those partaking observe Layat al-Qadr, or Night of Power. This is believed to be the night that Mohammed first received the Qur’an.
At the end of the month, which is the ninth in the Islamic Lunas calendar, the breaking of fast is celebrated with feasting and the exchanging of gifts. At this time, gifts are also given to the less fortunate.
If you know someone who is taking part in Ramadan, then use any of the following traditional greetings:
- Ramadan Mubarak!
- Eid Mubarak!
- Ramadan Kareem!
