Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and considered to be the holiest month. It is a time when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking or smoking between sunrise and sunset. The fast takes place on a daily basis with those observing Ramadan gather before sunrise for a pre-fast meal (Suhoor) and at sunset when the fast is broken (Iftar).

It is common knowledge that the month involves fasting and ends with a celebration called Eid, but it is actually about much more than that – the Islamic month is also about charity, reflections and resolutions.

Muslim dates are determined by the cycles of the moon and based on astronomical charts. The fasting is expected to begin on Friday 24th April and continue for 30 days until Saturday 23rd May.  Within the Muslim calendar, the holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Ramadan on the sunset of Thursday 23rd April.

Ramadan is expected to be finished before the longest day of the year but still falls within the long, warm days of summer with some fasting periods within the UK expected to be over 15 hours .