When does Ramadan start? How the moon decides when the holy month begins
When Ramadan begins and how exactly it is decided
- Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of daily fasting from dawn until sunset, dedicated to heightened worship, religious reflection, and charity, concluding with Eid al-Fitr.
- The official start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the waning crescent moon. This took place on Tuesday, 17 February.
- Fasting, a core pillar of Islam, involves abstaining from all food and drink, including water, and is regarded as an act of worship promoting self-restraint and empathy for the poor.
- Observances include a predawn meal (suhoor), breaking the fast with an evening meal (iftar), increased congregational prayers, reading the Quran, and significant charitable giving.
- Ramadan traditions are diverse worldwide, with cultural variations seen in countries like Egypt and Indonesia, and some concerns about commercialisation alongside festive celebrations.
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