When is Ramadan 2023? Expected start date and moon sighting explained

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.

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 5.55am 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.

Source of data and images: metro