RAMADAN started on Thursday 18 June with the new moon being sighted the night before.
It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month of fasting
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam - the others are confession of faith, five daily prayers, Zakah (almsgiving) and Hajj.
According to the Qurand#039;an and#034;fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may learn self restraint.and#034;
Fasting, which is recognise for its health, spiritual and psychological benefits, is considered by Muslims as a means of improving their moral character and provide an opportunity for a spiritual renewal.
Fasting takes place from early dawn to sunset throughout the month - about 17 hours a day. It requires Muslims to abstain from food, drink and marital relations. It is compulsory for all physically and mentally healthy and mature.
Those exempt are the sick, old, pregnant, menstruating women and travellers.
After the breaking of the fast in the evening, usually with dates and water, the sunset prayer is followed by dinner after which Muslims go to Mosque for congregational prayers at which at least one-30th of the Qurand#039;an is listened to.
By the end of the month the recitation of the complete Qurand#039;an would be achieved.
Ramadan will conclude on 16 and 17 July depending on the sighting of the moon.
The celebration marking the end of Ramadan is called Eid-ul-Fitr - one of the major festivals of Islam
