The holy month of Ramadan is upon us and Muslims around the world are preparing for a month of daily fasting. From dawn to dusk for just over four weeks, many Muslims won't eat or drink and will give up bad habits like swearing and gossiping. The start date for the important month changes each year - and is different in different countries - depending on when local Muslim authorities spot the first sighting of a crescent new moon.
With Ramadan starting when the new moon first appears in the night sky, the full moon around a fortnight later marks the middle of Ramadan, and as the moon wanes to the other side, Ramadan finishes; 29 or 30 days after it begun.
This year, Ramadan begins on Sunday, April 3 and is set to end of May 2 or 3 - when Eid will be celebrated. Other countries may observe the holy month on different dates, depending on when the first new moon is spotted there.
