The holy month of Ramadan is considered the holiest and most sacred month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. Muslims firmly believe that it was during this exalted month that the archangel Gabriel descended from the heavens and revealed the Message to the Prophet Muhammad.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to God by way of fasting; that is to say, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and also husband-wife intimacy from the breaking of dawn until the setting of the sun.

As we prepare to welcome the holiest of months, here are the dates, calendar and guide to spending Ramadan 2024 in the United Kingdom.

Ramadan dates and calendar 2024

The arrival of Ramadan has always been associated with a certain amount of mystique and contemplation. The exact date of the month’s beginning is traditionally determined by religious scholars/authorities under cover of night as they seek to observe certain sightings related to the appearance and cycle of the moon.

Ramadan 2024 has been confirmed to begin on 11 March 2024 and end on 9 April 2024, corresponding to Ramadan 1445 in the Islamic calendar.

If you want to learn more about Iftar times in London in 2024, please consult our article below.

Iftar Time in London 2024: Your Guide to Ramadan Calendar & Timetable

 

Ramadan 2024 moon sighting in the UK

On the 29th day of Shaban, the moon sighting for Ramadan 2024 will take place. The moon sighting date for Ramadan 2024 varies in each country because the Shaban month does not begin on the same day in every country.

Ramadan in the UK

With nearly 2.8 million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, which equals about 4.8% of the population, Islam constitutes the second largest religion in the country, after Christianity. The largest Muslim community can be found in London. The municipalities of Bradford, Luton, Blackburn, Birmingham, and Dewsbury also have significant Muslim populations.

During Ramadan, Muslims in the UK and around the world celebrate the revelation of the Quran (Koran). Islamic businesses and organizations may amend opening hours to suit prayer times during Ramadan. There may also be some congestion around mosques, such as the London Central Mosque in Regent’s Park, especially in the evenings.

The London Central Mosque © mapandlens.com

Muslims around the world, including in the United Kingdom, celebrate Ramadan by fasting during daylight hours, praying, reciting the Quran, and giving to charity. The traditions associated with Ramadan are most visible in the country’s many mosques and in predominantly Muslim neighborhoods, such as Edgware Road in London.

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Edgware Road in London © 5pillarz.com

The Ramadan hours vary from year to year, depending on which season Ramadan is. This year, Ramadan will fall in spring, and it will take around 15-16 hours of fasting per day.

Political leaders in the United Kingdom, including the prime minister, usually make public announcements on the first day of Ramadan to greet Muslims locally and globally and raise the general public’s awareness of the holiday’s importance among Muslims.

Rules and decorum – Ramadan 2024

The Ramadan fast (sawm) is one of the Five Pillars, a fundamental religious duty of Islam, so most Muslims in the UK abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. The fast begins at dawn, right after the Suhoor meal, and lasts till the end of the day. It is broken with the Iftar meal, which consists of traditional dishes, juices, and desserts. During fasting hours, people avoid drinking, smoking, eating,  and engaging in sexual activities.

However, there are some people who are exempt from fasting. This includes pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, elders, sick people, and women who are menstruating.

As a sign of respect for Islamic beliefs and culture, it is better not to eat, drink, or dress inappropriately in public places in Muslim-dominated locales.

Ramadan praying hours in the UK

Muslims living in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, and other cities started observing Ramadan in the UK during the Sehri or Iftar times. This is one of the main reasons why the starting date of Ramadan in the UK is of great significance to them.

 

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