Ramadan 2023: Dates, Fasting, and Celebrations Around the World

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin later this week, with fasting hours ranging from 12 to 18 hours depending on location. The lunar-based Islamic calendar causes Ramadan to begin 10 to 12 days earlier each year, with the first day of fasting in Mecca likely to be Thursday, March 23. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours to achieve greater consciousness of God. The predawn meal to start the daily fast is called suhoor, while the breaking of one’s fast after sunset is called iftar.