Ramadan 2015
Ramadan is expected to begin on 18 June Getty

Muslims around the world will be observing Ramadan, the first day of the Islamic holy month by the same name, this week.

More about Ramadan

Ramadan is expected to begin on 18 June.

Throughout the next 30 days, Muslims around the world observe fast, pray from dawn to dusk, and abstain from smoking and sex. They break their fast after sunset by having dates, which is known as "Iftaar".

However, the practice may vary among Muslims from different regions. There are exceptions for pregnant women, those who are ill or travelling, and for those who are physically weak.

Muslims observe the month of Ramadan, which marks the anniversary of the Quran being revealed to Prophet Mohammed. It is observed annually, after the sighting of the new moon and lasts for 30 days until the next new moon appears.

The observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam along with belief, worship, charitable donations and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Ramadan concludes with Eid ul-Fitr, when morning prayers are followed by feasting and celebrations.

On the occasion, IBTimes UK has picked up top ten quotes to share with family and friends to mark the holy month.

  • Ramadan is the month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is freedom from fire.
  • Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.
  • Whosoever recites only one 'Ayat' in Holy Ramadan, he will be awarded as if he had recited the full Quran in other months.
  • When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and devils are tied up.
  • It was the Ramadan month, when Quran was sent down to earth as a gift to the entire mankind, giving us guidance to live our life and know the difference between right and wrong.
  • Ramadan month is the month to feel hunger, hunger the poor people face every day and share the sorrow of sick people, to review our lives and get closer to Allah.
  • Even if all the trees on earth were pens, and the ocean inks, with seven more oceans added to it, the words of Allah would not be exhausted: for Allah is infinite in power and wisdom.
  • Ramadan is the month to fast, pray, read Quran and do charity and in return receive rich rewards from Allah.
  • If you open your heart and ask honestly from Allah, he is not going to ignore you, but he will focus on you to make you happy.
  • Whoever Allah wishes to show goodness, he gives him understanding of the religion.
More about Ramadan