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Rabat – The Grand Mosque of Paris announced that Monday, March 11 is the first day of Ramadan 2024.
The Grand Mosque made the announcement on its official Facebook page following a committee meeting.
The Muslim calendar follows the lunar calendar, which makes the start of Ramadan different every year on the Gregorian calendar. The holy month is 29 to 30 days long depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
During the month, Muslims fast from sunset to sunrise, abstaining from food, beverages, smoking, or sexual acts. The month also sees an increase in charity, as Muslims work to strengthen their religious bond.
France is home to 3.35 million Muslims, making up 5% of its population, according to data collected in 2019. Despite its large Muslim population, Islamophobia is rife in the country.
Islamophobia and hate crimes targeting Muslims in France have especially spiked in recent years. Vandalism attacks targeting mosques, cemeteries, and individual businesses are on the rise. In November 2023, anti-Islam graffiti was sprayed on the Pessac Mosque in Girone.
Observers worry that French policies could be further fueling hate crimes against Muslims. Last year, the French government passed a ban on Abayah in public schools, an act that many considered a crackdown on religious freedom.
France meanwhile maintains that that measure was to uphold its “secularism values.”
