Between 2nd April and 1st May, Muslim people will be observing Ramadan. This is an integral part of the Islamic faith and every Muslim person around the world fasts during daylight hours for 29 or 30 days. The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the moon, since Muslim people follow the Islamic lunar calendar.

Ramadan occurs on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which means the exact dates change every year. By the Gregorian solar calendar (which is the one commonly used to set dates), the beginning of Ramadan moves between 10 and 12 days earlier each year.

Muslim people rely on Muslim-majority countries or local moon sighters to declare the beginning of Ramadan so there can be a variation by a day. During Ramadan, Muslim people fast from dawn to sunset - this means no food or water. They begin their day with a pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and end it with another meal (Iftaar), directly after sunset. Muslim people use this month to purify their mind and body, as they believe the fasting allows for increased spirituality and personal growth. 

The festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr (also known as the 'Festival of Breaking the Fast') marks the end of Ramadan which is also determined by moon sighting.

If you support or know anyone observing Ramadan, please be conscious that they may need flexibility or support during this time.

Ask them what you can do to help, or click here for a printable poster with some suggestions.

Click here to find out how to use inclusive language during the month of Ramadan.

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