Ramadan Start in Gambia

Day: The start of Ramadan in Gambia is based on the lunar Islamic calendar, which means it shifts by approximately 10-12 days earlier each Gregorian year. The exact day is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which is often announced by religious authorities in the country.

History and Traditions: Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims around the world, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic belief. In Gambia, as in other Muslim-majority countries, this period is marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, prayer, reflection, and community.

What People Do:

• Fasting (Sawm): Adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours.
• Prayer (Salah): Increased devotion and performing extra prayers at night called Tarawih.
• Charity (Zakat): Many Gambians take this time to give to the poor and perform acts of charity.
• Iftar: Families gather to break their fast at sunset with a meal that often starts with dates and water or fruit juices followed by a variety of foods.
• Suhur: Before dawn, families wake up for Suhur - a pre-fast meal to sustain them throughout the day.

Throughout Ramadan in Gambia, there's a strong sense of camaraderie and spiritual solidarity as people engage in these acts of worship and community bonding.