WHILE just missing breakfast would leave most people with painful, hunger pangs by mid-morning, Jamila and Kevin Dozier will spend the next month fasting for up to 18 hours a day.

The couple, from Bicester, will have a snack at about 1.30am, then go to bed.

But when they awake there will be no morning coffee and cereal.

No lunch or dinner either – not even one glass of water must pass their lips all day.

For it is Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when the Koran, the Islamic holy book, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and when Muslims like the Doziers abstain from all food and water during the hours of daylight.

But rather than dreading the fast, which began on Wednesday, the Doziers say they look forward to it.

Mrs Dozier, mum to Dawoud, 12, Ajani, eight, and Omeya, five, said: “It is a very special time and one which makes you really think about food, how much you have and how lucky you are.

“Of course it is hard at first – not drinking when you wake especially takes a little getting used to and not even being able to taste food I am cooking for the children means I have to concentrate not to do it by mistake. But after a few days, it all seems natural and at night time when I do eat, I eat little meals, which taste delicious, and after a month I feel much healthier and even rested.”

During Ramadan, Muslims mostly go about their usual business, but almost all will try to give up bad habits. Many will also try to become better people by praying more or reading the Koran, and also doing their best to help others around them. Mrs Dozier said: “During the month of Ramadan we try to read the whole of the Koran, to reacquaint ourselves with it and its teachings. And in our everyday lives we try to think more about how we can help people we know, such as neighbours or friends, who have less than ourselves.”

For her husband Kevin, an American-born former Baptist, Ramadan is a much newer experience, but just as rewarding.

The sergeant with the US Air Force, based at RAF Croughton, Northants, said: “I converted to Islam four years ago and the first time I took part in the fast I was actually in Kuwait – which wasn’t easy. It was so hot, and obviously I couldn’t drink, which was very difficult. But it’s like mind over matter and a few days into it you just seem to accept the fast.”

The Dozier children don’t yet fast because of their age, but are already keen.

Mrs Dozier added: “All the children look forward to Ramadan and enter into the spirit of it, reading the Koran and enjoying the nightly Iftar [meal], which is like a big party for them, because it involves lovely food and lots of visitors.”

  • The beginning of Ramadan is based on the Islamic calendar and observing the first waxing crescent moon.

There are disagreements each year, however, on when Ramadan should start. This stems from Saudi traditions to sight the moon with the naked eye – resulting in differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe. More recently however, more Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid confusion.

This year, Ramadan is running from August 11 to September 9.

THE Muslim Education Centre of Oxford (Meco) is inviting non-Muslims to experience this year’s fast for themselves.

The organisation will host a grand Iftar at the North Oxford Association Community Centre in Diamond Place, Summertown, on the evening of August 21, where 150 people, of all faiths, will join together to break bread and make new acquaintances, and it is suggesting non Muslims join the fast that day.

Meco’s Dr Taj Hargey said: “We are sure newcomers to the fast will find it a both liberating and fascinating experience. And we would then love for them to join us for the Iftar, to talk about their own fast with others and to enjoy some fabulous Muslim food and some great conversation.”

Anyone interested in attending should contact Meco on 01865 766032 or email: info@meco.org.uk THE end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called ‘Eid-ul-Fitr’, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.

Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practise self-control.

The festival begins when the new moon first appears in the sky and Muslims will enjoy the first daytime meal they have had in a month.

Eid is also a time of forgiveness, and making amends.

Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children and spend time with friends and family.

At Eid it is also common to donate to charity to help poor people buy clothes and food so they too can celebrate.