http://1.Today  is the first day of #Ramadan which for non Muslims must be weird, annoying and/or bewildering so here is a thread if you’re interested in knowing more about the coming month and all it brings.

2. #Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. If you’re wondering why it shifts around 10-12 days each year it’s because it’s lunar based. Muslims wait for the sighting of the moon to signify the start of 30 days fasting.

3.During #Ramadan Muslims all around the world will not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset. And yes... (my favourite part of this annual thread)

*taps mic/clears throat*

...not even water.

4. Muslims prepare and eat food before sunrise. That meal is called #Suhoor (basically breakfast).

Slow releasing good foods are recommended to sustain you but more often than not it’s a bit of cereal with leftover pizza or whatever you have to hand.

http://5.At  sunset, Muslims will end the fast with a meal called #Iftar . Traditionally it starts with water and/or dates before the eating fest begins.

I have a dear friend who makes a cup of tea to be exactly the right temperature to drink for her Iftar. So cute.

http://6.As  well as zero water and food, Muslims also abstain from smoking, sex, gossip and swearing.

#Ramadan is a month of prayer, increased kindness/charity and a discipline of the body and mind.

(Ngl the not swearing for me is a tough one)

7.Not everyone needs to fast during #Ramadan .

If you’re old, pregnant, nursing, sick, require medication or travelling you don’t have to. It’s not meant to be a hardship.

8.Weight loss? For some yes but for others typically there’s weight gain. #Ramadan has it’s own special delicious food that quite frankly few can resist.

Weirdly, for a month without food, there is a huge emphasis on the preparation and serving of it.

9.Muslims can exercise, go to the gym and generally do whatever is comfortable (but the water thing still stands).

10.There are no cheat days. #Ramadan doesn’t work like that.

However, if you see women suddenly start eating, it’s not because they’ve given up on Ramadan, it’s because women don’t fast while on their periods. It’s a true mercy.

11.Many organisations now recognise the importance of #Ramadan to Muslims and may offer to accommodate/amend working hours. That’s not favouritism, that’s good management. Many Muslims may choose take annual leave during this month.

12.Fasting Muslims have no problem with being around food. Don’t apologise or hide your drinks and food. Muslims should never feel offended by other people eating around them. It’s cool to do your thing as normal. Nothing to see here.

13.Feel free to say ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ (blessed Ramadan) or Ramadan Kareem (generous Ramadan) or ‘hope you have a great month’ or ‘Bon Ramadan’ (if you speak French) or simply ‘Happy Ramadan’.

It’s a kindness that’s much appreciated and you can say it anytime in the month.

14.Check in on your single, fasting Muslim friends - especially this year.

Fasting while isolated in a pandemic is super challenging. Offer a virtual Iftar (the breaking of the fast at sunset) so you can eat together online.

15.The month culminates with celebrations of a 3 day celebration of #EidAlFitr (Festival of breaking the fast). There are 2 Eids in the year of which this is the first.

There are prayers, dressing up in finery and more excellent Eid food.

http://16.It ’s not offensive or disrespectful to ask Muslims about #Ramadan so feel free (we love to talk about it).

Ramadan Kareem/Mubarak to those observing and Happy Eating and Drinking month to those who aren’t.