Ramadan is a very challenging month for all Muslims, expected to avoid taking in food and water from dawn to dusk.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when Muslim will fast during the hours of daylight. It lasts for 29 or 30 days. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims as a test of patience and endurance whilst refraining from eating, drinking, and sexual activity.
It is allowed to have one meal just before dawn, known as "Suhoor" and another directly after sunset known as "Iftar."
This year, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar coincides with the summer solstice which also resulted for Muslims in the northern hemisphere to fast on the longest day of the year. Some Muslims in Britain are facing a 19-hour fast and it is the longest and most challenging Ramadan in over 30 years. It's even worse for Muslims in Nordic countries where in Stockholm, the day goes for 20.5 hours. While daylight only lasts 11 hours in Auckland and Buenos Aires.
It won't be easy especially when the season is prone to dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
Ramadan is determined by the lunar cycle and will run from June 6 to about July 5 this year.
The end of Ramadan is marked by "Eid-ul-Fitr", the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
Source: BBC Quartz LA Times
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