UK Muslims Face Longest Ramadan in 33 Years with 19-Hour Fasts

London 02 Ramadan 1437/07 June 2016 (MINA)  – UK Muslims are facing the longest Ramadan fast in 33 years.

This year the holy month coincides with the longest daylight hours meaning those observing it will be fasting for up to 19 hours per day, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting mirror.co.uk.

Muslims who observe Ramadan, which began on Monday, do not eat or drink anything, including water, when it is daylight.

It is observed in the ninth month of the Muslim year but the timings change in the western calendar.

Ramadan is the “holy month” and the fasting is seen as a way to bring participants closer to God and remind them of those less fortunate.

The evening meal, known as iftar, is eaten at sunset and the month culminates in the festival Eid-al-Fitr.

The Muslim Council of Britain said on its website on Monday: “Muslims fasting this Ramadan must be particularly careful during long daylight hours.”

It recommended drinking plenty of water during darkness hours and to be prepared to stop fasting and drink water if you feel “unwell, disorientated, confused, or collapse or faint”.

It added: “Check on others in the community who may be at greater risk, and keep an eye on children to ensure they are having a safe and healthy Ramadan.” (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)