Fast facts: What you need to know about the holy month of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam but how much do you know about it?

By Dave Lancaster |

15:14 01 July 2014

It's a staple of Muslim belief that the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the Ramadan period. 

 

During daylight hours, followers fast themselves of food, drink, smoking and sex for a month to honour Allah. 

 

Here are some key points about Ramadan:

 

• There isn't a set date; the period of Ramadan lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. For 2013 it was July 10 - August 7 while for 2014 it's June 29 - July 27.
  
  
• Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim character. It's also a popular name for Muslim boys. 
  
  
• Typically, one meal (the suhoor) is served just before sunrise and another (the iftar) is granted just after sunset.
  
  
• Fasting teaches Muslims the benefits of restraint, discipline and generosity while also reminding them of the plight of the poor. 
  
  
• Many Muslims attempt to read the Qur'an from cover to cover at least once during the Ramadan period.
  
  
• Ramadan is a time to be charitable as Muslims believe that during this period the gates of hell are closed meaning that their contributions to charity will have the added effect of not being interfered with by Satan. 
  
  
• The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr - a celebration known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.
  
  
• During Eid-ul-Fitr reflect on the strength that Allah granted them during Ramadan.
  
  
• Eid is also a time for outpouring - amends are made with friends and family, forgiveness is granted, families and friends get together, the finest clothes in the wardrobe are worn and money is given to charity. 
  
  
• 2014 marked the first time in 28 years that the World Cup has coincided with Ramadan creating a dilemma for Muslim players who need boosted levels of energy to be at the top of their game. 
  
  
• In 2012, during the London Olympics, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) football team was granted a rare exemption from fasting which allowed players to begin their fast after the tournament.