Every year, practising Muslims observe a period of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

From dawn to sunset, they abstain from eating or drinking.

When night falls, they start to eat; they “break” the fast.

But what is the point of Ramadan?

Islam, the religion of Muslims, is based on 5 pillars: the testimony of faith, prayer, charity, Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

These pillars were set out in the 7th century of the common era by the prophet Mohammed in the Koran, the holy book of Islam.

Ramadan is a religious obligation which aims to cleanse the soul and share with the hungry.

The breaking of the fast is a time of sharing: no one in the neighborhood should be left in need.

As the Muslim calendar is based on the moon, the date of Ramadan changes every year.

Sometimes it falls in winter, when the days are short… And sometimes in summer, when they are long and it’s very hot!

Not eating or drinking in these conditions can be very hard, that’s why children aren’t supposed to observe Ramadan before puberty.

People who are sick, elderly and pregnant women can also be excused.

The holiday of Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan