Ramadan: what is it?
Ramadan is much more than fasting from food and water, it is about self-reflection and focusing on ways to become a better version of yourself.
Being in a state of temporary thirst and hunger presses us to empathise with those who have less than ourselves by teaching us to be grateful for the things we take for granted in life.
It falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is based on the lunar system, so the dates it is observed differ every year.
The first words of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad on a special day called Laylatul Qadr with the whole purpose to convey and spread the message of Islam. Laylatul Qadr is in the month of Ramadan and this is why it is a special month for Muslims.
If you're interested in learning more about Ramadan and how you can be more respectful of those fasting, watch this video to see some of our colleagues answer some questions about what Ramadan means for them.
Learn more about Ramadan on the Muslim Council of Britain website