The date of Ramadan varies every year and corresponds to the beginning of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It is believed that at this time, Allah began to transmit the teachings of Islam to the Prophet Mohammed, which was subsequently covered in the Quran. In 2023, the holy month will last from the evening of March 23rd to the evening of April 21st.
For 30 days, Muslims keep a strict fast called saum. Believers are forbidden to eat, drink and smoke during daylight hours. Fasting is observed by adults and children over 12 years old, however fasting does not apply to women who are menstruating, nursing mothers, pregnant women, diabetics, long-distance travelers, as well as seriously ill people.
The meal before sunrise is called suhur, while the evening meal is known as iftar. Most catering establishments shift their opening hours to a later time for the convenience of those fasting. The strictest period is the last 10 days of fasting as some people prefer to spend this time in seclusion in a mosque, or make a pilgrimage to Mecca.