Canadians ready to welcome Ramadan on Monday March 11

Canadian Muslims are getting ready to welcome the month of Ramadan on March 11, 2024.

According to the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), the month of fasting will start on Monday, March 11.

"The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’i method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal," states FCNA. "FCNA uses the criteria of the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which are that somewhere on the globe, at the sunset, the elongation should be at least 8 degrees and moon should be at least 5 degrees above horizon."

Some Muslim communities follow the ruling of FCNA while others follow the actual sighting of the new moon to start the fasting month.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, and marital relations between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.