There are only a handful of days left until the month of Ramadan starts so it's a good idea to start preparing for the fasting period if you are taking part this year. Those unfamiliar with how fasting works in Ramadan should be aware that each day begins with an early meal, known as suhoor.
Daylight marks the start of the fasting period where no food or drink should be consumed. This lasts until sundown where the fast is broken with a meal, known as iftar - traditionally, the fast is broken by eating some dates which was suggested by the Prophet Muhammad, but this is not obligatory.
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Now that many Muslims are getting ready for Ramadan, when does it actually start?
The general consensus for 2022 is that Ramadan will begin on April 2, according to the Umm al-Qura Calendar of Saudi Arabia. It states that the month will end on May 1 with Eid starting on May 2.
The Saudi government uses the Umm al-Qura calendar for civil purposes and the dates are decided carefully by the Institute of Astronomical & Geophysical Research in Riyadh - the date is also supported by Islamic relief UK. Didsbury Mosque's prayer timetable also states that Ramadan will begin on April 2 with the first prayer of the day, Fajr, starting at 5:10am.
Before such advanced astronomical equipment, like the one Saudi owns, was used, the month was traditionally marked by the sighting of the first faint crescent of the new moon. This leaves some room for flexibility since the luncar crescent can occur up to two days after the date predicted by the Umm al-Qura calendar.
If you want to keep an eye on when Ramadan starts, you can refer to our handy countdown timer below.
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