Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan is remembered as the month in which the prophet Muhammad received the first of the revelations that make up the Quran.

This year, the period of fasting began on March 11 for many countries, although some – including Indonesia, the Philippines, Morocco and Japan – will mark the first day of Ramadan in their calendars as March 12.

Throughout the holy month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with prayer, giving money to charity (zakat), Hajj, and saying the Shahada, which is a profession of faith.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is a way to get closer to Allah, as well as recognising the needs of the underprivileged.

Ramadan kareem translates from Arabic to "generous Ramadan". It is the most common greeting used in the UAE.