Rabat – According to Islamic website Al Athan, the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on March 11 in Italy.
The Fajr adhan, or the early morning prayer call, comes at 04:55 (military time)on the first day of the month in Italy, while the Maghrib call is at 18:12. Thus, the first day’s fast lasted for almost 13 hours and 17 minutes.
The length of fasting is lengthier across the continent of Europe.
Muslims who live in Greece and Spain observe fasts that last anywhere from 15 to 16 hours. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, hence Ramadan is always observed 11 days later.
Every year, Muslims throughout the world commemorate Ramadan, a holy month of fasting during which they are not allowed to eat, drink, or engage in sexual activity between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
For Muslims worldwide, Ramadan has great cultural and spiritual importance.
Muslim communities prepare for this holy month by making special plans and waiting impatiently for the new moon to appear in order to signify the start of Ramadan.
In Italy as well as in other countries in Europe, the Muslim community deploy efforts to balance their cultural and religious traditions.
According to Statistica, 528000 Italian citizens are Muslims, as of 2022. Of this population, the largest demographic of Muslims in the country are Moroccan.
Unlike in Muslim countries where public rituals mark the holy month, European countries often lack the same display of observance.
Muslims living abroad, however, endeavor to maintain the culture of Ramadan by coming together during the breaking of the fast, known as iftar.
As the Muslim population is incredibly diverse and made up of many immigrants in Italy, food served during fast-breaking meals encompasses flavors from their home countries.
Mosques also play a central role in maintaining traditional practices observed during the holy month.
