With a population of 5% Muslims, France is one of the European countries where people recognize Ramadan and Muslims fasting for their spiritual pursuit of heaven. Most French people respect Muslims fasting and avoid eating or drinking in front of them during this holy month.
The Muslim community in France celebrates Ramadan every year with open-air Iftars and gathering around after eating. With the current situation of COVID-19 ending, things might change.
Before I start this Q&A of the most asked questions about Ramadan 2023 in France, I would like to invite you to check out HalalTrip’s Ramadan page. There you can find all the information that you need to know about Ramadan as a Muslim.
Let’s start our Q&A!
Unlike the Asian and North African countries, Ramadan in France and other European countries may be delayed by a day.
Ramadan starts with the new moon, which is very likely to be Tuesday, March 21. Therefore, Ramadan 2023 In France is starting on Wednesday, March 22, in the evening.
Once again, I highly suggest that you visit HalalTrip’s Ramadan page to keep track of everything related to Ramadan 2023 in France.
To keep track of prayer time, the best option is to download the HalalTrip app — it’s a must-have tool for every Muslim traveler. You can also find all the necessary info here.
The Qibla Direction from France is located in the southeast at an angle of 119.3°, according to the true north.
But since this is the 21st century and technology has made things more accessible, you can easily track the Qibla direction with the HalalTrip app. You may also check it out in the Qibla Direction section of our website.
According to several scholars, 27th Ramadan is usually Laylatul Qadr, which would put it on Tuesday, April 18 in France. Generally, it’s estimated to be on the last odd-numbered days of Ramadan, it varies each year. Most families celebrate this holy day on the 27th day, but that doesn’t stop us as individuals from performing the spiritual duties of Laylatul Qadr on each of those odd-numbered days.
Some people know that it’s Laylatul Qadr when they notice some signs. For example, one of the signs of Laylatul Qadr is being the most peaceful night, the weather is neither cold nor hot.
Ramadan is estimated to end on Friday, April 21, which makes the day after Eid al-Fitr. That’s going to be Saturday, April 22.
Many Muslims report that Ramadan in France is really great. They organize Sermons, recitations of the Holy Quran, and pray Tarawih in mosques. And as this year most restrictions regarding COVID-19 are lifted, there are possibilities on mosques and the festivities to be back. So, Ramadan 2023 in France this year is going to be more about spiritual introspection, than community bonding.
If you want to see if there are any open mosques by any chance, you may visit this page.
Iftar and Sahur are the highlights of the day in Ramadan if you asked your stomach. To keep track of them in France, you may refer to this timetable.
You can even download the timetables for different cities for easy reference.
In France, there’s no shortage of halal food wherever you go. Muslims have established their presence in Europe, especially in France. Many of them own restaurants that serve food from their original homes. Since the majority of Muslims in France are of Maghrebi origins, it might be a great chance to taste Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian cuisines. You can find all the halal restaurants that offer the best choices and food delivery here.
Cover Photo by Chris Karidis on Unsplash
