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Ramadan starts next week for Muslims, the people who follow the religion of Islam. During Ramadan, most Muslims fast. That means they do not eat or drink anything during the daytime.

The date for the start of Ramadan is different each year, because Islam uses a lunar calendar. Once Ramadan starts, most Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This usually continues for thirty days.

Fasting teaches Muslims about patience and faith. It is a time for Muslims to think about how poor and homeless people feel without lots of food. It is also a time for prayer and family.

Not everyone has to fast during Ramadan. Children do not have to fast. People who are traveling long distances do not have to fast. There are other people who do not have to fast, like seniors, sick people, and pregnant women.

Sometimes athletes do not fast, but not everyone agrees. For example, the Olympic Games in 2012 were during Ramadan. This made it very difficult for the athletes who did not eat or drink during daytime.

When the sun goes down and it gets dark, Muslims will start eating again. This is called "breaking the fast,” or in Arabic, “Iftar.” There are often big meals enjoyed together by lots of Muslims and guests. There are many special Iftar foods around the world.

Because Ramadan starts next week, it is a good time to wish your Muslim friends a blessed holiday, or in Arabic, “Ramadan mubarak.”

Source: Wikipedia (Creative Commons By Attribution Sharealike) Simple English Wikipedia. Ramadan. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan. Accessed May 2019.

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