Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown -- abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.

Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year, if they are healthy and able.

Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life, by constantly being aware of the presence of God.

God states in the Qur'an:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)

Fasting is often performed instead of work, even if a person is in employment, as many in Gambia are illiterate and have not read the Quran they are unaware that the prophet was very insistent that if fasting affected your work for your employer then you should eat or drink a minimum so you can satisfy the requirements of your job.