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Rabat – Ramadan 2024 is expected to start on March 12 in Morocco, according to astronomical forecasts.
Moroccan astronomer Hicham El Aissaoui predicted Ramadan to start on March 12 in Morocco, stressing that Moroccans will fast for 29 this year instead of 30 days.
For the past five years, except for 2023, Ramadan lasts 29 days in Morocco.
Meanwhile, astronomers expect the holy month to start on March 11 in Saudi Arabia. He said Saudis will fast for 30 days this year.
While astronomy predictions differ from one export to another, official dates for the holy month are only determined through crescent moon sightings in Islamic countries.
Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs assigned the crescent moon sighting for experts, who determine dates for religious events on the eve of their star.
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is when Muslims abstain from drinking and eating from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days depending on the crescent moon sighting.
Fasting hours mean Muslims should abstain from drinking water, eating food, as well as chewing gum, or smoking. Intimate activities are also not allowed.
Ramadan brings a unique atmosphere in all Arab and Islamic countries, including Morocco.
During iftar, marking time to break the fast, Moroccan families gather around a table adorned with different and special food dedicated to the holy month.
The food includes special pastries, including chebakia, also known as griwech or griouch, made of strips of dough rolled as a rose.
Chebakia is often accompanied by harira, the famous Moroccan lentil soup.
Other food includes stuffed msmen (flat bread) and batbout are also very common during Ramadan breaking fast tables in Morocco.
Following iftar, men, and women flock to mosques to perform Taraweeh, extra night prayers that Muslims carry out every Ramadan following Isha or the evening prayer.
