Ramadan is upon us and as the fourth of the five pillars of Islam comes into force, Muslims give up eating and drinking for the next 29/30 days of Ramadan. Those physically or mentally unwell are excused from such fasts, as are those who are underage, elderly or travelling.

The classic non-Muslim proverb heard only during this time is, “Wait, the whole day... not even water!?” Whilst that harsh realisation be the case, the perks of Ramadan are always fondly remembered.

1. The Jannah-rosity is amazing!.

In efforts to reach Jannah (Heaven), the policy should be sharing is caring. In the evening after sunset, many Muslims will break the fast in congregation at their local mosque and the sigh of relief will be heard for miles. Ramadan, a month for charity, means sharing some pretty good food that many have been ogling at whilst the Imam gave a speech.

When the time to munch comes around, the empathy you feel for your fellow Muslim will be beyond a spiritual level. The connection you can make over a date (the fruit, of course) could make for some long-lasting fast buddies...

2. Fast(ing) and Furious.

We all know that one person that loses their rag faster than a fish taking to water during Ramadan. Being around them is equivalent to walking on eggshells. But since it is Ramadan everyone suddenly has the patience to deal with them and their cranky ways.

Call it the blessing of the month or plain sympathy, we soon become immune to their ‘hangry’ (hungry and angry) attitude that often threatens to bite your limbs off.

This understanding is lost throughout the rest of the year but in Ramadan... we understand and lucky for you, we’ll remain tolerant.

As a result, ‘patience is a virtue’ during Ramadan is often taken to a whole new level in efforts to reduce the risk of a famished World War Three.

3. Driving a Toyota Pious.

Ramadan is there for our spiritual benefit. During the month, participants see the world with morally tinted glasses. We learn to appreciate the little things such as having clean, running tap water and having the assumption that food will be on our dining tables at the end of the day.

Such privileges even in our country, is unheard of to some people.

We walk the streets contemplating and reflecting, not on Suhoor (the morning meal), but on our position from last Ramadan to now and if we’ve made a difference in our life. It’s this spiritual reboot that is necessary for British Muslim citizens and resembles a driving refresher’s course in the race that is of course, life. Top Gear, eat your heart out.

4. Fasting ‘eats’ you up on the inside.

Whilst losing weight isn’t the primary aim of Ramadan, it is a desired effect to put the ‘slim’ back into Muslim. The health benefits of Ramadan have been proven in various studies.

Like some form of super hero, studies show fasting in Ramadan leads to significant improvements in heart disease, mental clarity and unsurprisingly, waist circumference which for some of us resembles a planet more than anything else.

An overworked body is said to add weight and fasting relieves some of that stress.

Don’t think we’ve got the cure for cancer though, fasting enables healing and generally is there to just give your body a much needed vacation. Definitely good news for our waistlines then, assuming the gorging of the pakoras at Iftar time will be limited.

5. Everyone stays away from ‘Ilm’ Manners.

The atmosphere in the streets on the nights of Ramadan is wholly positive and excited due to the Ilm (Knowledge) they receive from visiting the mosques about the etiquette necessary this month. The mid day hunger pangs are forgotten and one of the best feelings of Ramadan is walking back from Iftar feasts.

It’s possible to walk into the street not knowing anyone, and by the time you turn the corner having majority of the residents numbers logged into your phone! Ramadan enhances community spirit by reminding us of our behaviour and its respective confidence.

The whole Muslim community empathises and that unity of simple good-manners makes fasting a hundred times easier which is necessary in these 19 hour long days.

6. Rama-done.

Of course, the biggest perk of Ramadan is the run up to Eid! This 3 day event is our Christmas, Easter and Shrove Tuesday all rolled in to one big samosa.

It seems as soon as our sleeping patterns adjust, it’s all over and as Eid is announced, the mosques are swarmed with people.

Cue the barrel full of Biryani and the lake of lassi.

Kids are faced with the impossible choice of accepting Eid money despite various protests from their parents when families meet and greet.

General merriment is sounded everywhere. If everyone is celebrating on the same day that is, otherwise forget Star Wars, it’s Moon Wars!