The blessed month of Ramadan, a time of reflection, contemplation, and celebration for Muslims all over the world, is almost here.
Allah says in the Quran, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Qur’an 2:183
According to astronomical calculations, Muslims worldwide will welcome the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
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In North America, a statement from the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) said, “The Astronomical New Moon is on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 17:23 Universal Time. On that day, there is no place on earth where at sunset the elongation is 8 degrees and moon is 5 degrees above the sun.”
“So, the first day of Ramadan 1444 is on Thursday, March 23, 2023, insha’Allah.”
FCNA usually follows the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which states that the sighting is not a requirement but just the means of ascertaining the beginning for a new month, and that is now attained by exact calculations.
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Holy Month
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint, and good deeds.
It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.
Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.
AboutIslam.net wishes you all a happy, blessed Ramadan.