Ramadan 2023 date announced

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will be Thursday, March 23.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is when the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.

Lasting 29 to 30 days, it is regarded to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam – but its ‘start date’ changes each year as the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, not the Gregorian calendar.

Ramadan ends either after sighting the new crescent moon that indicates the arrival of the 10th month or after Ramadan’s 30th day.

A statement from The Muslim Council of Britain’s Guide to Ramadan reads: “The month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic year as it is when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours, meaning they abstain from eating, drinking or engaging in sexual relations for the duration of their fast.”