Rabat – The holy month of Ramadan for the year 2023 is expected to start on Thursday, March 23 in France, according to astronomical calculations.
The Grand Mosque of Paris quoted the Muslim Federations (FFAIACA, Faith and Practice, GMP, MF, and RMF) as saying that “precise astronomical calculations” suggest that the crescent moon of Ramadan for the year 1444 AH will appear on Sha’ban 29, corresponding to March 21.
“Therefore, Thursday, March 23, 2023, would be the first day of the month of Ramadan,” the statement added.
Muslim leaders and imams will convene at the Grand Mosque of Paris on March 21, also known as the “night of doubt,” for the announcement of the beginning of the holy month. The moon sighting committee will gather after sunset to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
If Ramadan’s crescent moon is observed on March 21, March 22 would mark the first day of the holy month. But if the moon sighting committee fails to sight the crescent moon, Ramadan would begin on March 23.
Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Sha’ban, and other Islamic months, last between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Read also: Tremdina: The Psychology Behind Behavioral Change in Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drinks, having sex, swearing, as well as smoking and drug use.
In addition, it is an opportunity for worshippers to get closer to Allah and do good deeds. Before Ramadan ends, Muslims are required to perform “Zakat Al Fitr,” an obligatory act of charity to help people in need.
While Islam is not the majority religion in France, the country is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in Europe.
France’s Muslim population is estimated at nearly six million, largely consisting of migrants coming from North African and sub-Saharan countries.
