Muslims worldwide to mark the start of Ramadan on Thursday

Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, the exact time might be slightly different for some countries (usually between 12-24 hours).

In a blog for ITV Central, Suleman Nagdi MBE from the “Federation of Muslim Organisations” in Leicester reflects on the meaning of Ramadan, which starts today.

Religious leaders in Qiemo county were also informed that inspections to “maintain social stability” will be increased and intensified during the Ramadan month.

“People vaguely know about Ramadan, but there’s a lot of curiosity around it”, he said. Those women who are menstruating or are nursing their newborns are also exempted from keeping fast. This year Muslim-owned shops and restaurants have again been ordered to continue selling cigarettes and alcohol over the course of the month or face closure.

The new app, according to Masri, would link Muslims with latest Ramadan news, information and recommendations.

The holy month is an opportunity for those taking part to think about those less fortunate than themselves, practice self-sacrifice, purify the soul and focus their attention on God. From 2011, the Chinese authorities have consistently brought in measures to coerce its Muslim population into not fasting during the holy month. Muslims often give to charities during the month, and mosques and aid organizations organize free meals for the public every night. They wake up each day before sunrise to eat “Sahari” or “Sohor”.

The time marking the start and end of a daily fast during Ramadan differs across places around the world.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community launched their first Fast with a Muslim Friend campaign this week.

Nadeem Ahmed, a member of the Board of Trustees at the Utah Islamic Center, said participating in Ramadan helps him know what it would be like to go hungry, like other people in the world. After the beginning, Muslims have to not only refrain from food or drink; they must also abstain from having sex, or to bear evil thoughts.

Ramadan concludes with a celebratory feast on Eid ul Fitr, just after mid-July.