Ramadan: here is the date of the start of fasting in France in 2023

The dates of the beginning of Ramadan will be confirmed on Tuesday March 21, 2023 during the night of doubt. “The Muslim Federations (FFAIACA, Faith and Practice, GMP, MF and RMF) have set up the theological commission which will aim to fix the dates of the month of Ramadan 1444 AH and religious holidays” specifies the Grand Mosque of Paris in a press release dated February 26, 2023. These dates will thus allow Muslims to organize the Ramadan fast as well as Eid-El-Fitr. According to the institution, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be Thursday, March 23, 2023. Dates of the beginning of the fast, prohibitions, traditions and origin, festive meal, Eid el-Fitr… Here is all the information you need to know about the Holy month of Ramadan 2023.

What are the dates for the start of Ramadan in France?

The first day of the month of Ramadan is Thursday, March 23, 2023. The Muslim Federations (FFAIACA, Faith and Practice, GMP, MF and RMF) must meet on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the Great Mosque of Paris, during the Night of Doubt, which will determine with precision the date of the beginning of the Ramadan fast. “The Theological Commission will take into consideration the results of the work on the adoption of scientific calculation and universal astronomical data for the determination of the beginning and end of the blessed month of Ramadan“says the Great Mosque of Paris.

The date of Ramadan is calculated during the “Night of Doubt” thanks to the observation of the first crescent moon, visible after the new moon. “The Theological Commission will take into consideration the results of the work on the adoption of scientific calculation and universal astronomical data for the determination of the beginning and end of the blessed month of Ramadan“says the Great Mosque of Paris. The Night of Doubt will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

What is the origin of Ramadan?

To find the origin of Ramadan, we must go back to the year 610. The angel Gabriel would have appeared to the prophet Muhammad in order to reveal the Koran to him. This revelation – Laylat al-Qadr or Night of Destiny – would have occurred during Ramadan. It is to commemorate this event that Muslims practice fasting for a month. Formed by the Arabic root “ar-ramad”, Ramadan means “scorching heat”.

What are the 5 pillars of Islam?

Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.with the Shahada (the profession of faith), the Zakât (almsgiving), the pilgrimage to Mecca, and the prayer.

What are the prohibitions during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Muslims must respect several prohibitions. In addition to daytime fasting, practitioners should abstain having sex during the day, smoking, making obscene remarks or wearing make-up, from sunrise to sunset. It is important to note that inadvertent eating does not imply atonement or catch-up fasting. The stunned thus benefits from a certain indulgence. Conversely, a deliberate transgression of the rules advocated by Ramadan invalidates the fast.

What to eat during Ramadan?

Dates, Chorba, Harira, semolina, wheat, oriental pastries... Each evening when the sun goes down, the fast can be broken. It’s’iftar, or the evening meal. Until dawn – hour of theimsak – Muslims are allowed to eat and drink.

Who can follow Ramadan and what precautions to take?

All pubescent people are targeted by the fast. Some Muslims may however be exempted from this practice in strictly defined cases: in case of chronic illness, pregnancy, travel or old age.

End of Ramadan: what is Eid al Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr still called “Little party”, as opposed to the Big party of the‘Aïd el-Kébir (or Aïd-Al Adhaday of the sacrifice), mark the end of Ramadan. After a prayer at the mosque, Muslims, on the occasion of a hearty lunch, can offer themselves gifts or different dishes, traditionally pastries. This is also the time to fulfill the religious obligation of Zakat, namely charity.

What is Zakat El Fitr Almsgiving?

It is also a tradition that practitioners adorn themselves with new clothes and give alms for breaking the fast dedicated to the poor and called Zakat El Fitr. This custom thus makes it possible to validate the fasting month of Ramadan. It is generally the father of the family who pays a sum of one amount of 7 euro to each member of the family for whom he is responsible. It is the Muslim Theological Council of France which sets the amount of the Zakat El Fitr alms.

To wish a happy Ramadan to loved ones, it is customary to pronounce “Ramadan mubarak” ! You can also say “Ramadan Kareem” at the very beginning of the month of Ramadan, which means “generous Ramadan, beneficent Ramadan”.

Why will there be two Ramadans in 2030?

Ramadan dates change every year. They depend on the Muslim calendar, also known as the “Hijri” calendar, and the Gregorian calendar. The Muslim calendar is lunar, the second solar. “From one year to another, the beginning of the Muslim year shifts 10 to 12 days in relation to the seasons”, details the Paris Observatory website. This explains why there will be two Ramadans in 2030, one will fall in January and the other in December of the same year.