Every year, followers of the faith gather in worship to observe the festival, which usually lasts for 29 to 30 days.

The holy month is marked worldwide with communal prayers, self-reflection and charity.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan falls on different dates every year and is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

The calculations in the Islamic calendar are based on the lunar cycle and the fasting month begins once the crescent moon is sighted.

The Gregorian calendar, which is followed by most of the world, including the UK, uses a solar dating system.

Some prefer to follow Saudi Arabia's sighting of the moon, while others prefer local sightings.

Dates for Ramadan may vary but this year it is expected to begin on 22 March and end on 23 April - subject to the sighting of the moon.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

There are five pillars of faith in Islam - practices Muslims are advised to follow. Fasting during the month of Ramadan constitutes one of these five obligations.

The four other pillars are Shahada (the profession of faith), Salat (praying), Zakat (charity) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

What does fasting involve?

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking.

Food is eaten before dawn hits (Suhoor) to grant the body sustenance for the fast and a meal is eaten after sunset (Iftar) to break it.

Fasting is only an obligation for people in full health - those who are exempt include:

• Illness
• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Travellers
• Young children

Other things to know

Yes... not even water can be consumed during the fasting period.

Depending on location and when the sun sets - fasts could last between 10-16 hours this year.

Chewing gum is not allowed while fasting.

If you are not fasting, it's ok to eat in front of your Muslim co-workers.

Want to join in on the festivities? You can wish your colleagues, friends and neighbours a "Happy Ramadan".

The story of Ramadan

Muslims believe Ramadan is the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

In 610 AD, it is believed the Prophet Muhammad was meditating in a cave, when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) approached him.

The angel revealed the first words of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and told him they were a direct command from God.

This night is known Laylat Al-Qadar (Night of Power) and is remembered by Muslims through acts of worship throughout the night. It falls in the last ten days of Ramadan.

And then it's Eid

Once Ramadan is over, it's Eid.

The fasting month is expected to end on Thursday 23 April and will be marked with Eid-Al Fitr - the festival of breaking the fast.

Celebrations for Eid last for three days, during which people gather to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

It's common to celebrate with food, prayer, and people often wear new clothes.

Read more:
Worshippers pray at Grand Mosque in Mecca at start of Ramadan

Do other religions fast too?

In Judaism, there are six fasting days, one of which is called Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Many Jews choose to fast for 25 hours to commemorate this day.

Buddhism also holds a strong bond with fasting. Followers of the religion usually fast when a full moon is sighted and on other significant holidays.

Catholics often fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Hindus commonly fast during festivals such as Shivarati, Saraswati and Puja.

Celebrating Ramadan in the UK

Styled as the UK's largest Ramadan festival, the Ramadan Tent Project - which is known for its signature Open Iftar events - is approaching its 10-year anniversary.

To mark the occasion, the charity will be hosting Open Iftar events across 10 UK cities this year.

According to the project, since its first launch in 2013, it has connected over 500,000 people in Britain's most iconic spaces, such as the Royal Albert Hall and Trafalgar Square.

Chelsea FC has announced it will work with the charity this year to hold an Open Iftar at Stamford bridge.

Omar Salha, founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, said: "We are honoured to bring Open Iftar to Stamford Bridge," with its theme this year taking on "Belonging."

Mr Salha added: "The 'Pride of London' will be the first Premier League club in history to host an Open Iftar event.

"Football and Ramadan brings people together over shared experiences and we are thrilled to share this important celebration with football supporters from all backgrounds, representing a community of communities."

Simon Taylor, head of Chelsea Foundation, added: "Recognising Ramadan and our Muslim community is a crucial aspect of our work in promoting religious tolerance and I look forward to welcoming everyone on Sunday 26 March."