Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
During this month, Muslims won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives.
The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic world ‘Ramad / Ramida’ which means scorching heat or drought. So the word Ramadan means abstinence from eating and/or drinking anything from dawn till dusk.
Not everybody fasts during Ramadan.
Children, pregnant women, the elderly and those who are ill, or who are travelling, don’t have to fast.
There is a special festival to mark the end of Ramadan. This is called Eid al-Fitr – the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
It begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.
Muslims will not only celebrate the end of fasting, but will also thank Allah for the help and strength that they were given throughout the previous month.
Often children are given presents and new clothes.