Ramadan is an important and spiritual time of year for Muslims all over the world – but the truth is fasting from dawn until sunset every night for a month isn't easy.
I will be joining millions around the UK and beyond by fasting from dawn until sunset every night for a month, and documenting my experience below as I go.
Fasting, or 'sawm' as it's known in Arabic, is one of the five pillars of Islam.
By giving up food, we think about those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and may not know when their next meal will come.
But it's not just about food, it's about being grateful and appreciating all the things you have.
For me, it has always been a way to realign myself with my faith every year.
Some days I find myself feeling more focused, mindful and at peace. I feel the benefits, I see the purpose of it and I even enjoy it, telling myself I might just fast on random days during the year to ground myself.
But other days I feel I can't cope, my stomach grumbles, I consider giving up, I feel void of energy and I've had enough.
For the next month, I'm going to blog my experience to lift the lid on what fasting is really like.
Being as honest as I can be, I will write about my highs, my lows and everything in between.
I'll also aim to answer all those questions you've probably never dared ask.
To start with a few: No you're not allowed to drink water, yes you can brush your teeth, no I don't believe it is harmful to your health if it's done sensibly (in fact some studies say it's beneficial), no you can't just eat something and 'not tell anyone' and yes you can swallow your own saliva…
When is Ramadan?
It is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is determined by the lunar cycle.
When it starts is based on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the month.
If the new moon (hilal) is spotted, fasting begins the following day.
Similarly when determining the last day of Ramadan, if the new moon is sighted the holy month is complete and Eid is celebrated the following day.
Local sightings of the moon can differ, which is why there can be discrepancies between the days different countries start and end their fast.
It moves about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year.
Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan is imminent and I feel totally unprepared
Ramadan begins on Monday, and I feel totally unprepared.
The truth is, there's no way to get yourself ready mentally – it seems to just come around really quickly every year and you just have to get on with it.
I've written a checklist – or shopping list – of what I need to get beforehand.
Dates come top of the list as Muslims break their fast with dates every night.
It's a tradition that goes back to the Prophet Muhammed, and the high levels of sugar are a great way to boost your energy having not eaten for hours.
I'm going to hit Tesco and make sure my fridge is well stocked for the night times.
Then I'll have a huge feast, drink lots of water and go to bed ready for the challenge to begin.
Check back in to find out how the first couple of days went…
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