The Most Important Questions About Ramadan

Muslims around the world are holding Ramadan, a month dedicated to reflection and hunger. This month constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam, marking the first discovery of the Koran to the prophet Muhammad; a moment honored by giving up food and water, cigarettes and Eastern sex until sundown.

But for Britain's Muslims, Ramadan also refers to the time when stupid questions are asked by friends and colleagues.

Nelymilians have no idea what fasting is like.

One of the questions is: Why does Ramadan fall on different dates of the year?

The Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, and Ramadan dates are changed annually.

How do you know when the sun goes down?

The best way for Muslims to observe precise timing is their local mosque. Or just, you know, just Google it.

Side jokes, that's actually a good question. The sun sets at different times across the country a minute later in Newcastle than in Sunderland, and half an hour earlier in London than in Edinburgh.

This is important because even if you eat just a minute early, you make the whole day useless, so it's important for hungry families to know exactly when the time comes, Periscope broadcasts.

Are there health risks?

Hunger is not believed to make your health difficult, so anyone in good medical condition can do it.

Can you at least eat something?

No, nothing. At least not during specified times.

Can people eat before you?

Absolutely not. There is a strong expectation that all non-Muslims will not eat until they are in the company of hungry Muslims.

To do otherwise means to take a heavy offense. /Independent/Periscope