During Ramadan Muslims follow a strict fasting rule during the daylight hours when they must refrain from eating or drinking anything.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic year, when Muslims must fast in the daylight hours which is believed to help them give up bad habits, whilst some will pray more and read the Koran.
This year the month began on June 18 and ends on July 17. The month is significant because it was said to be when Allah revealed the Koran to the last Prophet, Muhammad.
Ramadan begins around 11 days earlier than the previous year as it is a lunar month.
A surgeon at the Queens Medical Centre, Zubair Khanzada is currently fasting for the month and has to face long shifts at the hospital without eating or drinking.
Video: Zubair Kanzada, Surgeon for the Queens Medical Centre.
Even as the event lands on the hottest time of the year, Muslims still have to stick to the rules. Those that are exempt from fasting include young children, the sick, the elderly, people with a mental illness and pregnant women.
Iftikhar Ahmed faces a huge challenge when fasting, he works in an Indian restaurant and is surrounded by food throughout the day but he doesn’t see it as a difficulty.
Because of the faith and the benefits that Ramadan brings to you, you don’t really notice the food around you.
Iftikhar Ahmed, Manager of Desi Grill.
The NHS has tips for staying healthy during Ramadan on their website which suggests eating two meals a day before dawn or after dusk.
When Ramadan ends it is followed by feasting and a celebration with family and friends.
