Rabat – The first day of Ramadan 2023 in Algeria is Thursday, March 23, according to the country’s Islamic Affairs Ministry.
Algeria’s sighting committee announced that the crescent moon for Ramadan was visible and therefore Thursday is the first day of Ramadan in the North African country.
Ramadan will also start on Thursday in other countries across the world – including Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar, among others.
Algerian serves several dishes during their breaking the fast meal also known as iftar, including shurba soup made of chicken or meat, tomatoes and vermicelli, according to Battut Magazine.
Astronomy experts believe that the majority of Arab countries are expected to start their fast during the same day.
The date of Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, will differ from one country to another.
While some countries like Saudi Arabia are expected to fast 29 days only, Moroccans might fast 30 days this year for the first time in five years.
The official date for Eid Al Fitr is also determined through crescent moon sighting.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Throughout the holy month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset.
The month also marks spiritual activities through which Muslims seek to strengthen their connection with God. Each evening, Muslims flock to mosques to perform extra prayers called taraweeh throughout Ramadan.
