Almost 4,000 people across Tayside are preparing to celebrate the end of the holiest month in the Islamic calendar on Sunday, having spent weeks abstaining from food and water.
Muslims in Dundee, Perth, Angus and Fife are among the 1.6 billion across the world taking part in Ramadan, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves a daily fast.
However this weekend, should the new moon arrive today, they will welcome the end of the holy month with a celebration described by one local Muslim leader as the religion’s Christmas.
Chairman of the Dundee Islamic Society, Bashir Chohan, said Ramadan – which began on May 27 – is one of the most “spiritual” experiences a person could undertake.
He added that 2017 had seen “one of the longest” fasts in the UK in recent times due to the long interval between sunrise and sunset.
Mr Chohan said locals had shown incredible dedication during Ramadan with children as young as 10 to even his own 80-year-old mother taking part.
Muslims hailing from Africa, South America and the Far East are among those who have flocked to the Dundee Central Mosque for prayers or to break their fast.
Students from St Andrews University are also among those making the journey to the city.
Mr Chohan said the “blessed month” is something which is looked forward to by Muslims, and that it reminds those who take part of the plight of those less fortunate.
“It is one of the pillars of Islam. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. This year has been the longest Ramadan, from 1.30am until 10pm. That includes June 21, the longest day,” he said.
“We have got about 1,000 people who come around to Cenral Mosque and we have been feeding approximately 400 people a night when breaking their fast.
“It is a really special month. If we keep fast any other time of the year it is really difficult. Somehow, naturally, in the month of Ramadan it becomes really easy for everybody.
“You do get spiritually enlightened. Our population in Tayside is approximately 4,000. I would say the majority of the people do keep fast, especially in Dundee.
“You see youngsters from the age of 10 (taking part). My own mother is 80-years-old, she has kept for the entire month.
“We do look forward to Ramadan, spiritually you get really, really strong.”
He added among the benefits were “rest for your body” but that it is also a time to think about people who have “not got enough food”.
Mr Chohan said: “You have to remember all these people that can’t afford food. Like in Africa, there is a drought in Africa at the moment.”
The end of Ramadan is marked by the religious holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which involves feasting and gift-giving.
In Dundee, should the new moon arrive and mark the end of the holy month today, this will be celebrated in Dundee’s Camperdown Park tomorrow.
Fasting during Ramadan lasts from sunrise to sunset
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink and other physical needs including smoking and sex during daylight hours.
It is intended to purify the soul and practice self discipline and sacrifice.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam next to faith, prayer, charity and the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Though days are spent without food or drink, Muslims are allowed to break their fast after sunset throughout Ramadan. Known as Ifthar, locally this has fallen between 10pm and 1.30am.
Children may take part if they volunteer to while there are exemptions for the elderly, those suffering from disease and pregnant women.
