Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and comes around once a year.
It means Muslims who are fit and able, have to fast between sunrise and set hours.
Yes that's right - no food or water for up to 18 hours.
Here is everything you need to know about the holy month.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time for spiritual reflection, charity and spending time with loved ones.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a month for Muslims to devote themselves to God and their faith.
It is a holy month as Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad in this month.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is predicted to begin on Monday, May 6, 2019.
It is expected to finish on Monday June 3.
The month lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.
As Ramadan is based on the lunar cycle, rather than on the sun, a year runs for 354 or 355 days.
This is 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used by much of the western world, meaning Islamic dates drift back 10-11 days a year when following a regular calendar.
What can't you do when fasting?
Muslims cannot eat or drink during day light hours.
They will have a meal, known as Suhoor, before sunrise and another after sunset, known as iftar.
This means in the UK, Muslims cannot eat or drink for up to 18 hours.
Along with not eating and drinking, you cannot smoke, engage in sexual activity while fasting and intentionally cause yourself to vomit.
Doing this will cause your fast to be invalid.
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Who can and can't fast during Ramadan?
Anyone who is sane, healthy and has reached the age of puberty must start fasting.
However, if someone is travelling or is sick, they shouldn't fast and can make it up at a later time.
People who are old and unwell, also don't have to fast.
Women who are menstruating are also exempt from fasting.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also able to postpone their fasts to a later time.
What happens if you can't fast due to travelling or another reason?
If you are exempt from fasting you must make the number of fasts at another time.
If you cannot make up the fasts at another time, then you must donate money to charity to feed a poor person.
This is known as Fidayah, and currently stands at £5 for each day of fasting missed.
What do Muslims do while fasting?
During the daylight hours, Muslims are encouraged to take part in acts of worship .
They will often recite the Quran, volunteer for charity, or spend time praying.
It is a month of remembrance and spirituality so Muslims are advised to spend as much of their time in devotion, as they can.
How do you know when it is time to stop eating and when to eat again?
Another pillar of Islam is prayer. Sunrise is marked by the morning prayer, known as Fajr. At this time Muslims will stop eating.
Another prayer, at the time of sunset, is known as Maghrib, so Muslims will be able to eat at this time.
A calendar is handed out before the month starts so Muslims are aware of the timings.
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What happens if you forget you are fasting and eat?
Good news. If you accidentally eat something your fast isn't broken and you can carry on with your day.
How far do you have to travel to not fast?
If you are travelling more than 48 miles, you don't have to fast. However, you must make this fast up at a later date.
No, commuting on a train for 15 minutes, isn't a valid excuse.
Can non-Muslims take part?
Of course! Plenty of people who aren't Muslim take part in a voluntary fast to experience what their Muslim friends or colleagues may be going through.
What happens at the end of Ramadan?
Muslims celebrate the end of the month by taking part in Eid. It is one of two festival or feasts known as Eids. The Eid after Ramadan is known as Eid-al-fitr.
Families will often congregate together and celebrate the special time together.
Do Muslims lose weight in Ramadan?
Generally people gain weight during this month as they tend to eat more at Sunrise and Sunset.
This combined with low activity during the day, can cause havoc to your metabolism.
Muslims are advised to eat foods with slow releasing energy.
