It will end after 29 or 30 days, when the crescent moon is again sighted to indicate the first day of the tenth month of Shawwal, when Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated (November 4 or 5, 2005).

A representative from the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) said fasting will begin from 4.39 am, and break at 5.56 pm.

Extra prayers will be said for the protection of the society against crime.

Taraweeh or extra devotional prayers are held every night at masjids, and Muslims also take the opportunity to offer prayers for the souls of their departed relatives.

Ramadan is also a time when charity is given, as according to the Qu’ran, when one performs a good act, it is multiplied many times over.

During the month of Ramadan, it is prescribed by the Qu’ran that all adult able-bodied Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to dusk.

An early breakfast or Suhoor marks the beginning of the fast, which ends with Iftar at dusk. Lavish dinners of Aftari are also held in masjids.

Fasting has been recommended by the Qu’ran to teach self-restraint and control over human desires.

It is compulsory for those who are healthy to take part in Ramadan, but if a person is sick or on a journey, they may begin the observance at a time convenient to them.