Ramadan 2023: When does it start? How long is it and what should I know?

Clare Mulroy and John Gallas, Palm Beach Post
·2 min read
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Ramadan is expected to start in the United States on March 22, 2023, and end on April 21.

There are two official holidays in the Islamic faith: Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. The former begins at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting that is also a time of prayer and a chance to be with loved ones.

What is Ramadan?

During Ramadan, a Muslim holy month, the pre-sunrise to sunset fast lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, depending on where you are in the world.

Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the holy book Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.

The exact date of Ramadan changes from year to year because it's set using the lunar calendar which moves forward about 11 days each year. In 2030, it's predicted there will be two Ramadans in a single year.

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When is Ramadan 2023?

In the U.S., Ramadan is expected to begin on Wednesday, March 22, and continue through April 21, ending in the celebratory Eid al-Fitr.

Fasting is an important part of Ramadan. Muslims who have reached puberty and who are physically capable, fast from dawn until sunset and abstain from liquids, food, sexual activities (couples are allowed to engage at night once the fast is broken), negative thoughts and bad intentions. They break their fast after an evening prayer with iftār, a meal often celebrated with friends and family.

Why does Ramadan start on different dates every year?

Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar Hijri calendar with months that are 29 or 30 days long.

This year, the first day of fasting in Mecca will likely be Thursday, March 23, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year by 11 days, Ramadan will be observed twice in the year 2030 – first beginning on Jan. 5 and then starting on Dec. 25, according to an Al Jazeera report.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking the fast” when translated from Arabic. Eid al-Fitr celebrations vary from country to country, but some include spending time with family and friends, giving gifts, giving to the less fortunate and enjoying feasts and traditional food.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ramadan 2023 dates and what to know about the Muslim holy month