Ramadan is the holiest month of the year in the Islamic calendar, as Muslims believe during this month God revealed the first verses of the Koran. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The month is for a time of spiritual discipline, and contemplation on one’s relationship with God.
When does Ramadan start?
The Muslim holy month begins on Sunday, May 5 and will end on Tuesday, June 4.
Ramadan culminates in a festival known as Eid al-Fitr.
A typical day for a Muslim observing the fast will begin before sunrise – waking to eat the first meal of the day.
This meal will have to last until sunset, when only after the sun has gone down can food be eaten.
Read More: Eid 2018 UK in PICTURES: How Eid al-Fitr was marked around Britain
In order to keep attending work, school or normal duties a lot of high protein foods are eaten and drinking lots of water is drunk.
When the evening call to prayer is made, the fast is broken with a light meal before evening prayers.
This is then followed by a larger meal later in the evening – usually shared with friends and family throughout the month.
When is Iftar this year?
Iftar is the snack had when breaking the fast and the time this can be eaten varies throughout the month.
There is a strict timetable to be followed as to when the sun goes down, and this grows steadily later through Ramadan.
Iftar can be had as late as 9.40pm BST towards the end of Ramadan.
At the beginning on May 5, Iftar will be observed in London at 8.33pm BST.
Check with your local mosque or see the guide from the East London Mosque for more information.
Suhur, which is eaten in the morning, can be had as early as 2.30am BST at the beginning of the month.
As well as fasting, Muslims must abstain from drinking any liquids, smoking cigarettes and engaging in any sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
Some groups are exempt from these rules, and these are:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Those with medical conditions
- The elderly