RAMADAN is observed by the Islamic community every year, and is a time of fasting and reflection.
There are certain things that should be said when opening and closing your fast. Here's all you need to know...
What do you say when opening your Ramadan fast?
When opening the Ramadan fast, worshippers will say: "Nawaietu Un Asooma Ghadan Lillaahi Ta'aalaa Min Faradi Ramadaana Haazaa”
It translates as: “I intended for the sake of Allah that I will observe obligatory fast of this Ramadan tomorrow”
What do you say when closing your Ramadan fast?
When closing the Ramadan fast, worshippers will say: "Allaahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftart”
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It translates as: “O Allaah, for You have I fasted and by Your provision I have broken my fast.”
What are the rules of fasting during Ramadan?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are obliged to abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours.
Fasting will begin at sunrise after suhur and finish at sunset with iftar.
In 2023, Ramadan begins on March 23.
The final iftar will take place on the evening of April 21, 2023.
If a fast is broken, it will need to be compensated for by fasting at a later date or by paying "fidyah," a religious term for donation of food or money.
Muslims are expected to fast as it is one of the five pillars of Islam.
It is thought abstaining from these activities will lead to greater "taqwa", or consciousness of God.
The fast is 30 days long.
All Muslims who have reached puberty are expected to fast during Ramadan, although there are some exceptions.
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Women who are menstruating or pregnant and those suffering from illness do not have to fast.
Muslim children are expected to begin fasting once they have reached puberty, usually by the age of 14.
There is no national law that prevents young children or teens from fasting.
The NHS advises against children below the age of eight from participating in the fast.
Advice from the national health body reads: "It's a good idea to make children aware of what fasting involves and to practice fasting for a few hours at a time."
