To all our colleagues, friends and residents welcoming the month of fasting which begins this week, Halifax Central Initiative would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe Ramadan.

This year Ramadan is expected to start on Thursday 23 March 2023 and lasts for 30 days ending on the evening of Friday, 21 April 2023 (dependent on the sighting of the new moon).

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and one of the most significant months for Muslims. It begins with the sighting of the new moon (Hilal) after which fasting during the subsequent month is incumbent upon every adult Muslim who is fit to do so. There are some exemptions, such as young children, elderly people, those who are ill and women who are pregnant.

Muslims abstain totally from eating and drinking (including water) between first light (dawn) and sunset.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate upon their faith, worship and contemplation. Although charity is given throughout the year, this is a particular significant time for charitable giving.

During Ramadan Muslims will awake before dawn for a meal called “Suhur”. When daylight is over, most Muslims will break the fast with dates or water. This will be followed at sunset by an evening meal called ‘Iftar’. ‘Iftar’ is an occasion for family, friends and the wider community to get together and share food.