Why does Ramadan start on a different date each year?

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Today marks the first day of Ramadan. Muslims around the world have begun a month-long fasting period, with fasting being one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims strive for spiritual growth by purifying both body and mind. That means abstaining from food and water during daylight hours, reciting the Quran, and saying special prayers. It's a period of mutual support, where acts of violence and deceit are strictly forbidden. Even if you’re not a Muslim yourself, in the past you may well have witnessed your Muslim neighbours or friends setting up tables in the street as night falls, in order to break their fast by dining outdoors. Of course, with Ramadan starting in March this year, temperatures are pretty low and you may not see such scenes at all.  Are you saying the start of Ramadan hinges on moon sightings? Does that mean Ramadan doesn’t start on the same date in every country then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is sugar bad for our memory? Does the law of attraction really work? How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices