Ramadan

Around the world at the moment, there are millions of Muslims who have started their month long fasting known as Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast during the hours of daylight.

Fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, patience and generosity. It also reminds them of the poor, who are often hungry. Most people have a meal just before they begin their fast, which is at sunrise and they do not eat or drink anything until sunset.

Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by families and friends meeting together to share in an evening meal.

Not everyone has to fast, children, old people, people who are sick and pregnant women can all eat during Ramadan.

It’s not all about food though, Muslims also try to give up bad habits during Ramadan and try to become better Muslims by praying more and giving in charity. Each night there are special services in Mosques during which the Quran is read.

The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called 'Eid-ul-Fitr' Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them fast.

The festival begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.

During Eid-ul-Fitr Muslims dress in their best clothes, give gifts to children and spend time with their friends and family.

At Eid each family has to give money to charity, so poor people can also buy new clothes and food and can celebrate.