With several astronomers forecasting the first day of the holy month of Ramadan to fall on Sunday, April 3 in Morocco, Moroccan astronomer Hicham Aissaoui is predicting Ramadan to last 29 days for the fifth year in a row in Morocco.

Ramadan, one of the holiest events in Islam, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

Muslims observe the Islamic month with strict fasting from dawn to sunset.

Over two billions of Muslims across the world observe the month of Ramadan. 

Prophet Muhammad said in one of his accounts that when the month of Ramdan starts, “the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”

Ramadan is not only fasting on food and water.

During the entire month, Muslims also abstain from drinking any other liquids, smoking, or engaging in any sexual activity.

Chewing gums or taking any medication are also prohibited from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.

Only people with chronic medical diseases or illnesses that urge them to take the pills are exempted from fasting, while children are encouraged to begin fasting once they reach puberty.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims engage in meditation through prayers, including Taraweeh (extra evening prayers).

Taraweeh are usually performed at mosques following al Isha (night) prayer. Many videos from across the world show mesmerizing taraweeh prayer performances. 

However, COVID-19 restrictions either limited the number of people attending prayers at mosques in the last few years, or totally prohibited prayers at mosques as part of prevention measures to limit the spread of the pandemic.

In 2020, Morocco’s citizens and residents experienced a total lockdown and a night curfew. The situation was unprecedented, particularly during Ramadan when there is traditionally more activity at night.  

In 2021, Morocco announced a curfew that spanned from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m forcing people to perform Taraweeh prayers at home.

As the curfew forced businesses such as restaurants and cafes to shut their doors by 7:30 p.m, it also sparked a backlash among cafe and restaurant owners who pointed out that Ramadan activities usually start in the evening as the majority of Moroccans fast during the day.

It remains to be seen whether Moroccan authorities will announce similar Ramadan measures this year.

Morocco is yet to announce the official date of Ramadan after the moon crescent sighting.

In addition to the start of Ramadan, Hicham Aissaoui also predicts May 2 to be the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the feast marking the end of Ramadan.