The religious festival involves Muslims refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk
By Becky Pemberton 26th May 2017,
MILLIONS of Muslims are preparing for Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and religious devotion that starts this weekend.
The festival falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, beginning this month – but what is it and why does the start date vary from year to year?
Ramadan starts in May and marks the start of a month of fasting and religious devotion
When is Ramadan 2017?
This year Ramadan will start on May 27 and will finish on June 24, both Saturdays.
Following this, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr which is often known as just Eid.
The Eid celebration, which is to be held on June 25, marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and the start of the next month, Shawwal.
Dedicated Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking from dawn to dusk
How is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion, with Muslims encouraged to observe five daily prayers throughout the day.
Many will recite the Quran just before sunset and the start of their feasting.
Often people will donate money to charity during Ramadan and help to feed the hungry.
And Muslims will also take the time to cut down on other vices such as gossiping, swearing and fighting.
Married couples refrain from sexual intercourse during the day.
Children don’t have to take part in the fast, along with the elderly or sick
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, from dawn to dusk but are able to enjoy feasts in the evening.
Dedicated Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking throughout the entire day, with a single puff of a cigarette or sip of water considered enough to invalidate their efforts.
The period is intended to bring religious followers closer to God and to remind them of people who are less fortunate.
The period is intended to bring religious followers closer to God
Can Muslims be exempt from fasting during Ramadan?
There are a few groups that don’t have to follow the strict fasting during the month.
These include children, the sick, the elderly and women who are either pregnant or on their period.
Typically those who have reached puberty or are around the age of 14 or upwards, will take part.
There are other special circumstances that can see people let off, such as athletes competing in a tournament or during periods of travel.
Muslims are able to eat after sunset, with many flocking to mosques to celebrate together with communal meals
Why do the dates of Ramadan change each year?
The Islamic calendar is different from the widely-used Gregorian calendar.
It is based on the moon’s cycle, whereas the Gregorian one is determined by the sun.
As the two don’t align, the Islamic dates move back by 11 days each year.
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