The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has announced that the Holy Month of Ramadhan will begin Thursday, March 23.
Speaking at the UMSC offices, the Acting Director of Sharia at UMSC, Dr. Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, said the crescent to mark the start of Ramadhan was not sighted, meaning fasting will start on Thursday March 23, 2023.
“The crescent moon of Ramadhan 2023 which was expected to be sighted in some parts of the world yesterday was not seen. This means that fasting will kick off on Thursday,” he said.
Lubanga said the special Ramadhan night prayers at the Gaddafi National Mosque, Old Kampala shall begin at 8:30am throughout the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
The fasting date changes yearly because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle hence, it’s starting and end date depends upon the sighting of the crescent moon.
Fasting is always held in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims with fervour and grandeur.
It is a significant month for Muslims around the world, marked by hope and spiritual growth.
Fasting during the month of Ramadhan, is one of the five pillars of Islam.