During Ramadan, Muslims are called upon to abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. Fasting begins with the first ray of sunlight. Until nightfall, the rule is: nothing is allowed to enter the body, except for medicines. The fasting commandment applies equally to men and women.
To ensure that believers do not start the day without breakfast, drummers parade through the neighborhoods of many Islamic countries before sunrise so that Muslims can eat something before daybreak. By abstaining during the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims express gratitude for what they have and compassion for those who have little. Only when the sun has disappeared from the horizon can the dinner iftar begin – often with a glass of water as well as a date and in the company of friends and relatives.