This is a holy month, set aside for fasting and religious devotion. It falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, beginning in May and ends in June.

During this time, dedicated believers do the sawm, fasting between an early-morning meal (suhur) and a night-time meal (iftar). This is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Other than this, Muslims will also refrain from eating or drinking throughout the entire day, gossiping, swearing, fighting and other vices.

Married couples are also expected to abstain from sexual intercourse during the day.

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The point of this month is to focus on prayer, purification, reflection, charitable acts (this reminds people of the less fortunate) and basically bring people closer to Allah.

This year's Ramadan is expected to start on May 26 or 27 and end on June 24, 2017.

Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr, this does not only mark the end of the Ramadan fasting, it also marks the beginning of the first day of the next month, Shawwal.