The Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on Wednesday 22 March.

Ramadan is a very important time in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims all over the world will be preparing to take part.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting.

Fasting is important during Ramadan as it Muslims believe it allows to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the basis of how Muslims live their lives.

The other pillars are faith, prayer, charit y and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends.

Normally, people will make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to people who need help.

It is common to have a meal (known as the suhoor) just before dawn and another (known as the iftar) directly after sunset.

At the end of the fast – when the sun has gone down – families and friends will get together for iftar to break their fast.

They also go to their local mosque to pray with their community.

information from Ramadan: What is Ramadan? – BBC Newsround

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