Ramadan is considered the holiest and most sacred month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. Muslims firmly believe that during this holy month, the archangel Gabriel descended from the heavens and revealed the Message to the Prophet Muhammad.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must increase their spiritual and physical submission to God by fasting; that is, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and intimate relations between husband and wife from dawn to dusk.
As we prepare to welcome the holiest month, here are the dates, calendar, and guidelines for observing Ramadan 2023 around the world.
Ramadan Dates And Calendar 2023 – When Is Ramadan 2023?
The arrival of Ramadan has always been associated with a certain amount of mystique and contemplation. The exact date of the month’s beginning is traditionally determined by religious scholars/authorities under the cover of night as they seek to observe certain sightings related to the appearance and cycle of the moon.
However, it is important to note that due to the lunar cycle, the dates of Ramadan vary in different countries, although usually only by one day. So the answer to the question of when Ramadan 2023 starts to depend a lot on where you live.
The UAE International Astronomy and Space Science Association have announced that Ramadan 2023 is likely to fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Ramadan 2023 is expected to last 30 days, which means that Eid ul Fitr will most likely fall on Thursday, April 20, or Friday, April 21, 2023. Of course, these dates will be confirmed as we get closer to Ramadan.
Ramadan Observances Around The World
In most Islamic or predominantly Muslim countries, work and school hours are cut short during Ramadan. Hotels remain open as do restaurants within their grounds. All other restaurants are mostly closed during the day with some closed for dine-in only.
For those who do not practice Islam, eating, drinking, and smoking during the day are generally considered unacceptable. In some countries, it is even punishable by law. Women should also be careful to dress modestly and conservatively. Shoulders, necklines, and knees are expected to be covered during Ramadan.
Here are some unique Ramadan observances and traditions from around the world.
Algeria
As with other middle eastern countries, Ramadan in Algeria has always been a joyous affair. Happiness and joy abound as numerous customs associated with the advent of the exalted month materialize in the collective psyche of Algerians across the country.
Also, as varied as their ancient customs and traditions are, they all revolve around the underlying theme of generosity, love, and kinship. For this reason, Muslims in Algeria see Ramadan as the perfect opportunity to compete for God’s blessings and favors by performing good deeds for the less fortunate.
It is predicted that Ramadan 2023 in Algeria will fall on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Bahrain
As the blessings of Ramadan reverberates throughout the Kingdom, the people of Bahrain rejoice in a serene Ramadan atmosphere characterized by feelings of kinship, charity, and spirituality. Such kinship and benevolence are particularly observable in masjids all over Bahrain, where free Iftar (breaking of the fast) meals for Muslims and non-Muslims alike are being offered. Prior to the pandemic, it’s estimated these free Iftar meals had been provided for some 12,000 people throughout Ramadan each and every year courtesy of benefactors who wished to remain nameless.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Bahrain will fall on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Bangladesh
Ramzan 2022 promises to be a lively month in Bangladesh. The culinary traditions of the country practically mandate those engaged in fasting take to the streets and enjoy the open-air buffet. Nearing sunset, people inexplicably draw to the allure of these traditional iftar markets of Dhaka and other cities as they serve various shahi or dishes deemed perfect for breaking one’s fast.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Bangladesh will fall on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Egypt
The Fanous Ramadan, a type of traditional lantern, is one of the most popular icons connects with Ramadan, so much so that it even bears the marker of identification in its name. The Fanous, which originated in Egypt but has become a dominating cultural aspect of the Islamic world, especially during its month of unwavering devotion, dates all the way back centuries ago. These beautifully designed folk lanterns think to have originated during the time of the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah when he greeted by lantern-wielding Egyptians upon his arrival in Cairo during Ramadan.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Egypt will fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023.
India
The seheriwalas (or zohridaars) of Delhi represent the city’s old Mughal culture and legacy and are part of a Muslim tradition that has lasted for centuries. During Ramadan, seheriwalas wander the streets of the city in the early hours of the morning, chanting Allah’s and the Prophet’s names to act as a wake-up call to Muslims for suhoor. This centuries-old custom still practices in sections of Old Delhi, especially in areas with a large Muslim population. Expect the seheriwalas to perform their duty following the official announcement of the Ramadan 2023 date in India.
In 2023, Ramadan in India will likely fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Ramadan 2023 expects to last 30 days, which means that the Eid ul Fitr would most likely fall on Friday, April 21, 2023. These dates will naturally confirm as we move closer to Ramadan.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a diverse archipelago consisting of thousands of islands and hundreds of ethnic groups. The diversity inevitably gives rise to unique Ramadan traditions practiced by its millions of Muslims. One noteworthy tradition is the cleansing ritual Indonesian Muslims undertake just before Ramadan commences. Men, women, and children utter the niyat (intention) and bathe themselves in springs, pools, and even their own private bathrooms. They thoroughly wash from head to toe signifying a clean physical and spiritual state to begin their submission to the Almighty for the following month.
In 2023, Ramadan in Indonesia will likely fall on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Ramadan 2023 expects to last 30 days, which means that the Eid ul Fitr would most likely fall on Friday, April 21, 2023. These dates will naturally confirm as we move closer to Ramadan.
Kuwait
One of the more noteworthy Ramadan traditions of Kuwait is the firing of the Iftar cannon in Kuwait City. Children and adults alike gather around the cannon in anticipation of the thundering blast signaling the breaking of the day’s fast. The firing of the Iftar cannon takes place at the Naif Palace while also broadcasting throughout the country each and every day during Ramadan. The tradition has been practicing since the 1960s.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Kuwait will fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Pakistan
The Chaand Raat festivities in Pakistan begin with the appearance of the new moon, which marks the end of Ramazan and the start of Eid-al-Fitr. Women and girls rush to the local bazaars after their final iftar to buy colorful bangles and get complex henna designs paint on their hands and feet.
Ramazan 2022 in Pakistan will essentially be the same. Shopkeepers decorate their stalls and stay open into the early hours of the morning in honor of this tradition. Local ladies set up temporary henna shops around jewelry stores to draw in consumers who are out shopping and apply henna on the spot. On Chaand Raat, the atmosphere in the crowded markets is one of community spirit, vibrant and exuberant in preparation for Eid the next day.
According to the lunar calendar, Ramadan 2023 will likely fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Pakistan. The dates will naturally confirm as we move closer to Ramadan.
Qatar
For the Qataris, Ramadan also affectionately knows and referred to as the month of Ghabga; the month of the midnight feast. The purpose of Ghabga is to gather family and friends so that the midnight feast may enjoy in a spirit of togetherness. The youth may have their gathering here, as do the men and women; all uniting in intimacy and love under one roof as they reminisce shared memories and enjoy each other’s company. Other than that, they also have Garangao where children, clad in their traditional clothes, will come out of their homes and knock on every door in their neighborhood, which will be ready to receive them with sweets and nuts. They collect the goodies in the special cotton bags, hanging loosely from their necks. Kids will see wandering around the streets until late into the night singing the special Garangao song.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Qatar will fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, and followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Saudi Arabia
All the Saudis in the eastern Saudi region of Al-Ahsa, have their own tradition called Qarsh Night which also knows as Quraish, which is a night when the families of Saudi gather for a big meal of special dishes to celebrate the upcoming Ramadan. This tradition passes through generations, and it has been one of the most popular traditions in Saudi Arabia. Not only food but the night fills with many exciting activities, such as game nights, festivals, candy sales, etc.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Saudi Arabia will fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023. These dates will naturally confirm as we move closer to Ramadan.
South Africa
The appearance of the first crescent of the moon marks the end of Ramadan. Although this does all across the world, the maan kykers (Afrikaans for “moon watchers”) demonstrate how distinctive this ritual is in South Africa.
Muslims from all across South Africa gather in Cape Town, the country’s “Mother City,” to hunt for the new moon. Only the maan kykers, who appoint by the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa, can declare an official sighting. It’s up to them to alert the Muslim community that Eid-al-Fitr is approaching from the Sea Point Promenade, Three Anchor Bay, or even atop Signal Hill. The moon must see with the naked eye, and there is no more beautiful sight than that on a clear night in Cape Town.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in South Africa will fall on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023. These dates will naturally confirm as we move closer to Ramadan.
Turkey
In Turkey, people who practice fasting during Ramadan have awoken to the sound of a drum beating early in the morning for suhoor since the Ottoman Empire. Despite the progression of time (and the invention of alarm clocks), over 2,000 drummers still stroll Turkey’s streets during the holy month, unifying the local community.
Drummers wear traditional Ottoman garb, which includes a fez and a waistcoat with typical Ottoman designs. The Ramadan drummers rely on the goodwill of locals to give them gratuities (bahşiş) or even welcome them in to share their suhoor feast as they go around with their davul (Turkish double-headed drum). This bahşiş frequently collects twice during the holy month, with many givers believing that they will reward for their generosity with good fortune.
Turkish officials recently introduced a membership card for drummers in order to instill pride in those who perform and to urge a new generation to continue this age-old practice in the fast-changing country.
It predicts that Ramadan 2023 in Turkey will fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023, and followed by the Eid al Fitr festival on Friday, April 21, 2023.
United Arab Emirates
The tradition of haq al laila, which sometimes compares to the Western habit of trick-or-treating, takes place on the 15th of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan. This day, which observes in many Gulf nations, sees children dressed in bright apparel walking their neighborhoods, collecting sweets and nuts in tote bags known as kharyta, all while singing traditional local songs. As children eagerly receive their gift, the chant Aatona Allah Yutikom, Bait Makkah Yudikum reverberates through the streets, translating from Arabic to ‘Give to us and Allah will reward you and help you visit the House of Allah in Mecca.’
This ceremony regards as a part of Emirati national identity in the United Arab Emirates. This festival gives a throwback to simpler times and emphasizes the need for strong communal relationships and family values in today’s modern society, which often describes as more solitary and independent.
The International Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences UAE has announced that Ramadan 2023 will likely fall on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
