The Islamic community comes together in solidarity during this time to celebrate their faith. The main spiritual act is to do rigorous fasting during the day.
Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is done to induce spiritual discipline by not eating and drinking, even water from dawn till dusk.
Before the day-long fast, they have suhoor - a light, nutritious pre-dawn meal as fuel to remain active for the day-long fast.
Fasting in Islam is a personal surrender to the Almighty. It is done to remember gratitude and instil empathy for the less fortunate.
After sunset, the fast is broken with ’ iftar’. A meal that starts with a light snack of dates and water. It is followed by a grand feast of Middle Eastern cuisines.
Ramadan is also a period to show generosity. Many Muslims donate to charities and spend quality time with their loved ones.
Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking fast marks the end of this month-long Islamic spiritual journey.