The London Central mosque has announced that the month of Ramadhan will start on Thursday 13th September 2007.

A billion or more Muslims will be fasting for a whole month. They will be going without food or water for the entire working day, and few hours more.

On the first day, in West London, they will have to finish eating before 4.26 am and will not be able to eat or drink anything until after 7.22 pm. That is almost 15 hours. The duration of the last fast will be about 13 hours, as the times are based on sunrise and sunset times. Fasting times start 2 hours before sunrise and last until sunset.

Although you may feel weak, fasting makes you healthier and stronger. A few Muslims may be distracted by not being able to nibble on something; others take in their stride because they feel lucky that they can eat in the morning and in the evening. Billions in the world would consider themselves lucky to have that option.

Fasting in Ramadan is an exercise in self-control where any food, water, smoking, sexual activity and gossiping are all abstained from during sunlight hours.

The month is for attaining greater spirituality by performing charitable deeds and spending time in prayer and contemplation.

Muslims believe that their good deeds and actions bring greater reward during Ramadan. Most Muslims will be fasting during this month.

Professional boxer like Amir Khan fasts throughout his training.