Sheikh Swaleh Lubanga Tasks Muslims To Prepare For Ramadhan As Fasting Kicks Off Tomorrow

The acting Director of Sharia at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Dr. Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga revealed that the holy month of Ramadhan will begin Thursday, March 23.

While addressing the media on Tuesday night, Lubanga noted that since the crescent marking the start of Ramadhan has not been sighted, Muslims will have to complete the 30 days of Shaban and commence fasting on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

Dr. Lubanga further called upon Muslims to prepare for Ramadhan adding that the special Ramadhan night prayers at the National Mosque at Old Kampala shall begin at 8:30 am throughout the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

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 tomorrow.

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.

The 12 months of this calendar add up to 354 days: 11 days shorter than the standard Gregorian calendar. Because of this, the Islamic Lunar calendar moves backward 11 days each year. So, every year, the first day of Ramadhan falls 11 days earlier.

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.

During this period, Muslims pray, reflect, fast, and let go of worldly pleasures. They wake up early for Suhoor (dawn meal) and then abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, evil thoughts and action and having marital relations from dawn until sunset.

Iftar, a meal that includes a variety of delicacies, is eaten after breaking the fast with dates and water.

Fasting during the month of Ramadhan, is one of the five pillars of Islam.