1) What exactly is Ramadan (and why does it have so much impact)?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because that calendar is based on the moon, Ramadan shifts about 10–11 days earlier each year compared to the Western (solar) calendar. The month revolves around fasting, self-discipline, prayer, charity and social connectedness.
The essence in one sentence
Fasting during the day (no food/drink) and breaking the fast together in the evening — but also: living more consciously, more spirituality, and more attention for family and community.
2) How is the start determined? The crescent moon (hilal) in Morocco
The start (and also the end) of Ramadan is linked to seeing the new crescent moon: the hilal. On the 29th day of the month before Ramadan (Sha’ban), people look after sunset to see whether the new crescent is visible. If the hilal is observed, Ramadan starts the next day; if it is not seen (e.g., due to clouds), the month is completed to 30 days and Ramadan starts one day later.
This “29 or 30 days” principle is important, because it explains why countries (and sometimes communities within one country) can differ by a day.
Who decides in Morocco?
In Morocco, moon sighting is officially organized: religious committees across the country observe, and the government then communicates the official start via national channels and mosques. This happens under coordination of the ministry responsible for religious affairs. In the news you regularly see reports that these committees are “ready to observe the moon”.
Why Morocco sometimes starts on a different day than other countries
Because Morocco relies strongly on local/regional sighting, it can happen that a country elsewhere (with different visibility conditions or different criteria) starts earlier or later. That is not “wrong” on either side; it is the result of different methods (observation vs. calculation) and different criteria for what counts as a valid sighting.
3) Europe vs. Morocco: why there is sometimes confusion
In European countries with diverse Muslim communities, multiple calendars are sometimes followed: some organizations follow local moon sighting, others use astronomical calculations or a “global sighting” principle. As a result, colleagues, customers or partners may not all follow the same start day.
Practical tip for cooperation
- Don’t ask: “Which day is it really?”
- Do ask: “Which day does your organization/company follow for the start and Eid?”
- Plan with margin: especially around the start and the end (Eid), a 1-day difference can impact staffing, deliveries, appointments and availability.
4) The daily rhythm during Ramadan in Morocco
Ramadan changes the “pace” of the day. During the day it is quieter; toward sunset it becomes busier, as everyone prepares to break the fast.
Suhoor: the meal before sunrise
Suhoor (also called sehri) is the meal eaten before the morning prayer and before the fasting period begins. This moment is practical (energy for the day), but also social: in many families the alarm goes off early and people eat together or help one another get ready.
Iftar / ftour: breaking the fast at sunset
In Morocco you often hear “ftour” for the evening meal. Traditionally people start with something light, after which they eat more extensively.
What is often on the table (typically Moroccan)?
- Dates (often the first bite)
- Harira (soup; a Ramadan classic in many families)
- Chebakia (honey-sesame pastry that is especially common in Ramadan)
- Baghrir and/or msamen (pancake/flatbread varieties with honey and butter)
- Briouats (stuffed triangles; savory)
5) Working and doing business during Ramadan: what you really need to know
If you work with Moroccan partners, Ramadan is above all a month of adjustment and respect. Not because “everything stops”, but because energy and planning are different.
Timing: when is it best to plan?
- Morning: often more productive (relatively more focus).
- Afternoon: energy can drop; meetings may move more slowly.
- Late afternoon: many people wrap up and prepare ftour.
- Evening: after ftour there may be energy again, but that varies by person/company.
Etiquette: small things that create a lot of goodwill
- Don’t ask too insistently why someone does or doesn’t fast. (It can be personal.)
- Be flexible with deadlines and response times, especially around sunset.
- If you eat/drink during a meeting: check whether that feels comfortable, or choose a neutral setting.
- Greetings: “Ramadan Mubarak” (blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (generous Ramadan) is often appreciated.
6) The last 10 days: often extra important
In many families and communities, intensity increases in the last 10 days: more prayer, more focus on spirituality, and practically: people also start thinking ahead about wrapping up Ramadan and preparing for Eid.
7) How does Ramadan end? Again with the moon: Eid al-Fitr
Like the start, the end is linked to observing the new crescent that marks the beginning of the month of Shawwal. If the hilal is confirmed, the next day is Eid al-Fitr: the festival that concludes Ramadan.
What happens on Eid (in general)?
- Getting up early and (where possible) attending an Eid prayer.
- Family visits, congratulations, food, new clothes (often), and gifts for children.
- Many people are (partly) off; availability may be limited.
Business impact around Eid
- Expect lower availability in the days around Eid.
- Logistics/deliveries: plan ahead and confirm deadlines earlier.
- If you have a partnership: a short congratulatory message is a small gesture with big impact.
8) Ramadan 2026 (indicative): why “subject to confirmation” is always correct
Many calendars provide an expected start and Eid date based on astronomical calculations. In practice, the official determination may differ, because actual (local) sighting can be decisive. Treat dates as indicative, and always confirm the date your partner/organization follows.
9) Building bridges between Europe and Morocco: how to use this knowledge
- Communicate early: “Which days do you follow for Ramadan and Eid?”
- Plan smart: key decisions in the morning, and avoid critical deadlines on (expected) Eid days.
- Show understanding: respect for the rhythm = better cooperation.
- Be clear: confirm agreements in writing, with room for a one-day difference around start/end.
