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| 'Longest' Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 33 years begins | 'Longest' Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 33 years begins |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Muslims in the UK are facing the "longest" Ramadan in 33 years, as the holy month coincides with the summer solstice, meaning long days of fasting. | Muslims in the UK are facing the "longest" Ramadan in 33 years, as the holy month coincides with the summer solstice, meaning long days of fasting. |
| Many Muslims will not eat or drink water during daylight, which this year can last about 19 hours in the UK. | Many Muslims will not eat or drink water during daylight, which this year can last about 19 hours in the UK. |
| Fasting ends at sunset with a meal, known as the Iftar. | Fasting ends at sunset with a meal, known as the Iftar. |
| Ramadan is determined by the lunar cycle and will run from 6 June to about 5 July, but the timing shifts each year in relation to the Western calendar. | Ramadan is determined by the lunar cycle and will run from 6 June to about 5 July, but the timing shifts each year in relation to the Western calendar. |
| Earlier this year, exam boards said key GCSE and A-level examinations were timetabled this summer to take into account the holy month. | Earlier this year, exam boards said key GCSE and A-level examinations were timetabled this summer to take into account the holy month. |
| Ramadan Timetable (London) | Ramadan Timetable (London) |
| The first week: | The first week: |
| These times are from the London Central Mosque Trust Ltd, check your local mosque for times in other areas. | These times are from the London Central Mosque Trust Ltd, check your local mosque for times in other areas. |
| The Muslim Council of Britain has warned those who are fasting to be careful during long and hot daylight hours. | The Muslim Council of Britain has warned those who are fasting to be careful during long and hot daylight hours. |
| It says that as dehydration is a serious risk during hot weather, it is important to drink plenty of water between Iftar (sunset meal) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). | It says that as dehydration is a serious risk during hot weather, it is important to drink plenty of water between Iftar (sunset meal) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). |
| London's first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, tweeted that fasting "won't be easy" and said he will miss coffee the most. | London's first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, tweeted that fasting "won't be easy" and said he will miss coffee the most. |
| What is Ramadan? | What is Ramadan? |
| Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when Muslims will fast during the hours of daylight. It lasts for 29 or 30 days. | Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when Muslims will fast during the hours of daylight. It lasts for 29 or 30 days. |
| Muslims believe the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month. | Muslims believe the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month. |
| As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims - a test of patience and endurance whilst refraining from eating and drinking, and sexual activity. | As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims - a test of patience and endurance whilst refraining from eating and drinking, and sexual activity. |
| It is common to have one meal, known as the Suhoor, just before dawn and another, known as the Iftar, directly after sunset. | |
| The end of Ramadan is marked by 'Eid-ul-Fitr', the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. | The end of Ramadan is marked by 'Eid-ul-Fitr', the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. |
| Are you observing Ramadan? How are you and your family planning to manage the fast? If you have an experience you would like to share, then contact us in the following ways: | Are you observing Ramadan? How are you and your family planning to manage the fast? If you have an experience you would like to share, then contact us in the following ways: |
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