Today (23/03/2023) marks the start of the Islamic holy month Ramadan. Throughout this month Muslims all across the world partake in fasting between sunrise and sunset, prayer and self-reflection.
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar that is based on the monthly cycles of the moon’s phases. Due to this, each year Ramadan is 11 days earlier and passes through all the seasons.
Each year Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and ends 29-30 days later with the sighting of the crescent moon again. The whole month ends with the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
For Muslims Ramadan is not only a time of sacrifice, but also an opportunity to grow spiritually, connect with God, spend time with loved ones and practice self-control and empathy for the less fortunate.
British Online Archives would like to wish all those partaking in this holy month a very happy Ramadan Mubarak. We hope this month is filled with peace, harmony and happiness.