With the month falling earlier this year, Muslims can expect to fast for a slightly shorter time than they did last year, but the days lengthen towards the end of the month, as we approach the summer. This also means Ramadan moves up the Gregorian calendar by about 10 days each year. It typically lasts between 29 to 30 days, depending on the moon phase sightings, as the Islamic - or Hijri - calendar is lunar. Read more: UAE cultural tips and etiquette to follow during Ramadan 2023.
Once the sun sets, Muslims break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar.īelieved to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed, Ramadan is a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer, recitation of the holy book and charitable work.
What is Ramadan?Ĭonsidered the holiest month in Islam, Ramadan is when healthy Muslims must abstain from food, drink or medicine from sunrise (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). The official date was determined by the country's moon-sighting committee on Tuesday night. This year, Ramadan will begin in the UAE on March 23.
