MUSLIMS across Glasgow have been fasting and praying since Ramadan began on June 6. It was one the longest Ramadans in almost 33 years thanks to the warmer climate, making the task of abstaining from all food and drink (including water) even more challenging.

According to the 2011 census, there were just over of 30,000 Muslims living in Glasgow, the majority of whom will be taking part in the fast.

Ramadan is about going without. Muslims taking part will always be able to break their fast at sunset, knowing that others throughout the world do not have such a luxury. It is a time for deep reflection, prayer and sacrifice.

Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fast, and this year it falls on July 7. You can greet someone on the day of Eid by saying 'Eid Mubarak'. This simply means 'Blessed Eid'.

When is Ramadan 2016?

This is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar, but does not fall on the same date every year as Islam follows lunar activity to dictate the start of the fast. This year, it starts on June 6. With dawn breaking at roughly 4.30am and sun set at 10.30pm, this means that fasting can last for up to 18 hours per day.

What is Ramadan?

This month is important to Muslims because they believe it is the month when Prophet Mohammed received a series of revelations from God which combined to form the Koran, the Islamic holy book.

During the month, Muslims will give extra money to charity, abstain from smoking and sexual activity from sunrise until sunset and try to refrain from gossip and swearing among other activities. Muslims will also pray every night for long periods - referred to as Taraweeh prayers - and will involve longer recitations of the Koran in their local mosque.

Breaking the fast at sundown is known as 'iftar' while the morning meal before sunrise is called 'suhoor'.

Do all Muslims take part?

Whilst most Muslims are expected to join in with the fast, very young children and the elderly, as well as those with medical complications, are not required to take part.

How many times a day do Muslims pray during Ramadan?

Muslims are expected to pray six times per day during this holy month. You can find the prayer times for Glasgow here .

What does Islam say about Ramadan?

A quote from the Prophet Mohammed says: "Ramadan is the month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is freedom from fire." This re-emphasises the fact that Ramadan goes beyond fasting to include charitable works and self-improvement.

When does Ramadan end and what is Eid?

Eid al-Fitr, which is on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. It falls on Thursday July 7 this year. Whilst this day still includes charity, prayer and devotion, it is also about celebration and family. Buying new clothes for Eid is traditional, as is decorating your hands with the distinctive Henna. Gifts can also be exchanged between family members. Typical examples of traditional food consumed on the day include dates, baklava, halwa puri and gulab jamun.

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