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RAMADAN, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is being observed by Muslims in the UK as a month of fasting, prayer and reflection.

Also known as Ramazan the holy month began on Thursday, April 23 but when does Ramadan end? We have all the information you need including Iftar and Sehri times.

 An Iraqi man wearing plastic gloves and a protective mask holds a traditional 'Fanous' lantern
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An Iraqi man wearing plastic gloves and a protective mask holds a traditional 'Fanous' lanternCredit: AFP or licensors

Ramadan timetable - when to eat Sehri and Iftar

Sehri is the pre-dawn meal Muslims eat before fasting begins.

It should be a hearty, healthy meal to provide needed energy throughout a day of fasting — it ends when the sun rises and the fajr, or morning prayer, begins.

Iftar and maghrib prayers take place when Muslims break fasting.

The meal at sunset often includes dates and involves sharing in the community.

Fasting will last between nine hours and 27 minutes, and ten hours and 13 minutes before Eid.

You can find a more detailed timetable for your area here.

 Muslims maintain social distancing during noon prayers at a mosque in Karachi
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Muslims maintain social distancing during noon prayers at a mosque in KarachiCredit: AFP or licensors

The month is traditionally viewed as an opportunity to devote, reflect and celebrate the mercy and love of Allah, while the fasting ritual aids reflection on the suffering of others.

Those observing the fast are encouraged to read the Koran.

The holy text is recited at the Tarawih, which are special nightly prayers that would normally be held at mosques.

However, due to the outbreak the coronavirus, gatherings in mosques will not be happening this year.

Coronavirus lockdown has hit all religions hard, with services and places of worship being shut down and moved online.

 A Muslim worshipper attends noon prayers at a mosque, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
A Muslim worshipper attends noon prayers at a mosque, in Rawalpindi, PakistanCredit: AP:Associated Press

When will Ramadan 2020 end?

Ramadan in the UK is predicted to end at sundown on May 23.

Muslims then celebrate with a 24-hour celebration involving family and friends called the feast of Eid al-Fitr.

This is marked with lights, decorations and gifts, with worshippers often dressing up and decorating their homes.

Sadly, as lockdown will still be in place, these parties will have to be familial events, or will need to take place online through video chats.

The MCB is offering guidance on how to organise virtual iftars online with loved ones and members of the community via video chat.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan marks the month when the Koran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah.

Ramadan will see Muslims around the world fasting during daylight hours for 30 days.

All Muslims who have reached puberty are expected to fast during Ramadan, although there are some exceptions.

Women who are menstruating or pregnant and those suffering from illness do not have to fast.

The rules mean food and drink, including water, are not allowed during daylight hours for the entire month.

Smoking and sex is also banned.

When did Ramadan 2020 start?

Ramadan 2020 started on April 23, in the evening.

The Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year.

The month is confirmed with the sighting of the new moon.

 Ramadan schedule for 2020
Ramadan schedule for 2020Credit: Islamic-relief.org
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