Believers across the world will begin the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan this week. The Arabian peninsula will start the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on Friday. The announcement in Cairo was made by Shaikh Ali Juma, the mufti of Egypt, during a ceremony broadcast on state television on Wednesday. Similar announcements were made by the authorities and religious bodies throughout the Middle East and other parts of the world. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nothing is consumed during this period. **Self-discipline*** Self-discipline is one of the primary objectives of the fast where all physical contact between husband and wife is also abandoned in daylight hours for the duration of Ramadan. After sunset the fast is ended with meals followed by prayers until sunrise and is maintained for 29 or 30 consecutive days. Muslims consider Ramadan an opportunity for self-purification and spiritual uplifting. Its is also the month in which they are to empathise with the poor and downtrodden by remaining hungry during this period. Muslims believe it is a period of individual and collective introspection and an ideal opportunity for the true message of Islam to be put into practice. **Congregational prayers*** It is expected that prayers increase during the night while normal activities are undertaken during the day. The month of Ramadan is also the month in which the first revelation of the Quran was given to the Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. Every evening, during the month, the Quran is recited from memory in congregational prayers by Huffadh (people who have memorised the entire Quran). Recitation of the Quran and additional prayers during this month re-enforces the basic tenets of faith for Muslims around the world.