Several Muslim countries are set to begin Ramadan on Tuesday 13 April, whilst others will begin on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and the UAE announced that Ramadan will begin tomorrow (13 April). Others, including Morocco made a decision to begin Ramadan on Wednesday (14 April).

In the UK London Central Mosque announced the first day of Ramadan as Tuesday 13, as did the East London mosque. A number of Lancashire and Greater Manchester Mosques will also begin Ramadan on Tuesday.

Others said the new moon had not been sighted across the UK, Morocco and South Africa and they would begin Ramadan on Wednesday. Their announcement was made at 8.30pm (13 April).

This week, mosques will host evening prayers for the first time in two years.

In 2020 all mosques were closed during Ramadan but this year plans have been made by organisations to host prayers with restricted capacities. These are expected to begin after 9.30pm every day for the next 30 days lasting for an hour.

Iftar (breaking of the fast) events during past Ramadan tend to take place inside the mosque. This is likely to be cancelled to Covid restrictions.

Muslims will be expected to fast from approximately 4am until just after 8pm.

Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle, which is usually 29 or 30 days. This year Eid will be held only days before Step 3 of the UK  government’s road out of lockdown.

Here is an interesting graphic showing how many hours Muslims will be fasting in different parts of the world.

Ramadan Mubarak messages have been shared

Football leagues and clubs shared their messages to the Muslim community

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