Ramadan 2024 in Morocco

Ramadan 2024 in Morocco – Ramadan begins in Morocco in March.

When exactly does Ramadan 2024 start in Morocco?

No one knows that yet. Unlike most other Islamic countries, scribes in Morocco determine when Ramadan begins by looking out for the moon. Ramadan starts at the new moon.

So when it is seen, Ramadan begins. The exact start and end dates of Ramadan in Morocco are therefore not known in advance.

Ramadan is expected to start around March 11, 2024, and last approximately until April 10, 2024.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holy month according to Islam. It is the ninth month according to the Islamic calendar. And because the Islamic and Georgian calendars differ, the time when Ramadan begins and ends varies every year. Ramadan starts a little earlier every year.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a holy month because the Quran was revealed to Mohammed in this month. Most Muslims enjoy Ramadan; for them, it is a special month; a festive month; a bit like Christmas in Western countries.

What is and is not allowed during Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of introspection and compassion. During this month, Muslims fast (not eating or drinking) and abstain from earthly pleasures from sunrise to sunset. They try to avoid gossip and bad thoughts and pay extra attention to their faith.

Fasting is also an act of compassion; to show solidarity with the poor people.

Zakat (donating money) is also part of Ramadan; people who are financially able to donate money donate to people who need it.

During Ramadan, the fast is broken after sunset by eating dates and drinking milk. Then iftar (or ftour): an extensive meal with special food. Ftour is often eaten with family members. And they go to the mosque.

After 29 or 30 days (again; in Morocco depending on the sighting of the moon), Ramadan ends with Eid al Fitr. It’s a big party with food, sweets, presents and family visits.

Traveling in Morocco during Ramadan

Traveling during Ramadan in Morocco is a special experience. In general, traveling is not a problem, but there are a few things to keep in mind. We have listed them for you below.

• It is a sign of respect not to eat or drink in public from sunrise to sunset.
• Apart from that, you may find that service, for example at restaurants or museums, may be slow. And that, for example, cafes outside the tourist areas are closed.

If possible, Moroccans shift their rhythm a bit during Ramadan: they sleep longer during the day and live a little more at night.

• As a non-Muslim, you can wish Muslims ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, or ‘Ramadan Kareem’, which means ‘blessed Ramadan’.

If possible, try to participate in an iftar; in the big cities, some restaurants offer iftars. Where you can sit down for a delicious meal, it is of course the nicest and most special thing if you are invited for an iftar with a local Moroccan family.

In general, people are very open about their religion and happy to tell you about it. It is often possible to have a respectful conversation about faith; it is highly appreciated. Many people gain strength and stability from faith. Who knows, you might learn something from it!

Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem!

Ramadan Mubarak!