Official date announced as Muslims gear up for fasting period
MUSLIMS in Birmingham are preparing to observe the holy month of Ramadan after the official start date was announced.
The Muslim Issues Steering Committee, which is made up of representatives from a number of Mosques in Birmingham, announced the month long fasting will begin on 22 August.
Ramadan will be marked by more than 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. Those observing the fast will rise before dawn to eat their one and only meal of the day until sunset.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims mark Eid-Ul-Fitr – a celebration of the fasting month.
But the precise date of Eid has caused confusion in the past with Mosques unable to agree on one day.
But the Committee, which was set-up with the support of Birmingham City Council, has said it will continue its meetings to determine a date for Eid-Ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
A spokesperson from Birmingham City Council said: “The fact that the majority of Mosques have agreed to follow the same formula will be of benefit to industry, commerce, and major organisations like Birmingham City Council. It means employers can plan cover for staff who may need to take one particular day off to celebrate Eid, rather than have people celebrate over two or even three days.”
