For all Muslims Ramadan is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control; some Muslims think of it as a kind of spiritual tune-up.

In particular, Ramadan is a month of fasting – and fasting is important: it is one of the five pillars of Islam (the others being faith, charity, prayer, and the Hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca).

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs duringthe daylight hours. The Arabic word for fasting (sawm) literally translates as ‘refraining’ – and it means not only eschewing food and drink, but also evilactions, thoughts, and words.

For Muslims, the most important point about fasting is that it is a means of learning self-control. So during the daylight hours of Ramadan there is a prohibition on food, drink, cigarettes, though medical conditions which require you to break your fast are allowed. (And no lies, slander, or greed; they all nullify the fast.)

If someone is ill or pregnant they do not have to fast, and neither do women who are menstruating. Women have to ‘makeup’ the days of Ramadan they miss due to menstruation, by fasting extra days. Although there are no set rules on the age at which Muslim children should start fasting, most will be doing so by the age of 12 and many start doing half day fasts at a younger age so they can ‘practise’ and not feel left out.