Rabat – The Muslim community in Belgium has a confirmed date for when they will start to celebrate Ramadan this year.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of the Muslim Executive of Belgium, Eid Al Fitr will fall this year on Wednesday, March 11.
“The Council of Theologians affiliated to the Executive of the Muslims of Belgium (EMB) met today Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 18:00 via video conference to determine the beginning of the month of Ramadan 2024,” the post reads.
“Following the decision of the Council of Theologians, the EMB is pleased to announce to Belgian Muslims that fasting of the month of Ramadan will begin this year on Monday, March 11, 2024,” the post adds.
This start of Ramadan coincides with the first day in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh among other countries. Despite Islam not being the predominant religion in Belgium, the nation hosts a notable Muslim population, estimated to be between 7% and 9% of the total populace.
The Muslim community in Belgium is primarily composed of individuals of Moroccan and Turkish descent, along with smaller groups from Algeria, Tunisia, and various sub-Saharan African nations.
During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide wake before dawn to partake in suhoor, a pre-fast meal intended to sustain them throughout the day until sunset.
The breaking of the fast, known as iftar, typically commences with dates and water, followed by a larger meal.
In Belgium, as in many other countries, families and friends come together for iftar, while mosques and Islamic centers may organize communal gatherings.
As Ramadan starts, Belgium grapples with a concerning rise in Islamophobia. Reports indicate a surge in hate speech, discriminatory acts, and violent assaults targeting Muslims and Islamic institutions.
The country’s political landscape has not been immune to this trend, with certain parties and figures facing criticism for espousing anti-Muslim sentiments.
In 2022, the Executive of Muslims of Belgium (EMB) lodged complaints against Belgium’s Justice Minister, Vincent Van Quickenborne, accusing him of violating the constitution through “openly insulting and humiliating the representative body of Islam.”
