04 Jun 2019 --- For nearly 1,500 years, Muslims have observed the holy month of Ramadan, and the spiritual period of reflection comes to an end today, marked by Eid al-Fitr. A core practice of this period is fasting, which is one of the five pillars of the Islamic Faith. Following the pre-dawn meal suhoor, those practicing Ramadan fast from sunrise to sunset, where the fast is broken with the rich and festive iftar meal. The overhaul of daily routines that is commonplace during the month of Ramadan has led proponents to consider the health implications of the religious observance, and knowledge has disseminated among the global Islamic community on how best to ensure optimal nutrition, energy and health during this holy time.