RTÉ's news2day reports on what Ramadan is as it begins this weekend.
All around the world, Muslims will be celebrating the beginning of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a holy month for the Muslim community.
During this month, around 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide will observe fasting, from dawn to sunset.
Muslims will fast from all foods and liquids, including water. If any days are missed, they can be made up at a later date, or the person who missed the fast can provide a meal for someone in need.
A typical day of fasting starts with a Muslim waking up just before dawn for their first meal of the day, known as Suhoor or Sehri, and then followed by the morning prayer known as Fajr. In Ireland, this year it will be at around 5am.
Muslims will then go about their normal day, at school or at work, just like how they usually would.
Then, once sun sets and the evening call to prayer is made, Muslims will break their fast. This meal is known as Futoor or Iftar. This year in Ireland, it will be at around 8pm at the start of Ramadan, and the time will lengthen as the sun sets later and later.
A fast is usually broken with a date and a glass of water. This is because dates are easily digested and are a quick source of nutrients and energy. Dates are also believed to be what the Prophet Muhammad PBUH broke his fasts with. Traditionally, dates are eaten in odd numbers by Muslims.
Once the fast is broken, Muslims will complete their prayers and then enjoy their evening meal with family.
Islam, as a religion, has five pillars, or duties to be fulfilled. Fasting is one of the five pillars, along with testimony of faith, prayer, giving to charity and a pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest of Muslim cities and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
All Muslims are expected to take part every year, but only those who are fit and able to complete the fast.
Those who are ill, pregnant or travelling, young children and the elderly are not expected to partake in fasting.
The month of Ramadan and the observation of fasting serves as a reminder for Muslims to feel compassion for the poor and needy and aims to reduce distractions to help people focus on their religion and their relationship with God.
It is celebrated by the global Muslim community as it has huge significance in Islam.
It is believed that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, the religious text of Islam, to the Prophet Mohammed PBUH on a night during Ramadan - Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Power).
At the end of Ramadan, there is a big three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
Muslims will gather with their friends and family and celebrate the festival with cultural traditions, a large feast, and an exchange of presents.
Overall, the month is looked forward to by Muslims and celebrated globally with friends and family.
