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![Give Us Your Feedback](/staticarchive/deb2a9c3a3543574cf6df889f8791f8ca4795858.gif) | ![tiny](/staticarchive/5ea3e7590d674d9be4582cc6f6c8e86070157686.gif) | On 15 October, Coventry's Muslims joined believers in Islam all over the world for the start of Ramadan.
Ramadan is an important time for Muslims. It is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is when the holy book, the Qur'an, was first revealed.
ÌýÌý | ![A Muslim in prayer](/staticarchive/7d4cb9f88b59824c47acac1aa0edc36983a7ef2a.jpg) | A Muslim in prayer
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Throughout Ramadan Muslims must give up food and drink, smoking and sexual activity during daylight.
Muslims must also try to avoid evil thoughts and deeds.
To test if it is dark enough to break the fast, a white thread can be held next to a black thread outside. If you can tell the difference between the two, then fasting continues.
ÌýMuslims believe the fasting shows their obedience to God and makes them stronger spiritually whilst displaying self-discipline.
The denial of food and pleasures also allows Muslims to develop a sympathy for the poor and to appreciate God's gifts.
ÌýDuring Ramadan many Muslims eat a large meal called suhur just before dawn.
At darkness, most start a meal with dates or water, to eat like the Prophet Muhammad. Families often get together for the main evening meals during Ramadan.
ÌýRamadan lasts for around 29 or 30 days and this year, it will end on 14 November.
The end of the fast is marked with the festival of Eid ul-Fitr, when Muslims dress-up, visit mosques for prayer, and visit family and friends for celebration meals.
Click here or use the link on the left to learn more about Eid-ul Fitr.
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