Ramadan in Bermuda will begin tonight at sundown, as the Islamic world prepares to mark its holy month.

During this time each year, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during sunlight hours in order to refocus their priorities in life.

“I see it as a cleansing period — psychological, spiritual and physical,” said educator and historian Radell Tankard, author of the book The Development of Islam in Bermuda.

Dr Tankard will be observing Ramadan along with his wife Dr Mellisa Gibbons-Tankard, their 18-year-old son Raushon and their 11-year-old daughter Malikah.

The couple’s eldest son, 21-year-old Ra’ees 21, is in New York having just graduated college.

“We focus on the fasting, but what’s really happening is that your spirit is being enhanced,” added the Warwick resident, who works at the Department of Education.

“We read [the holy book] the Koran every day, and our food becomes the spiritual word of God.”

Participating in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the five basic tenets that the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims must observe. The others are the declaration of faith, prayer five times a day, giving to charity and making a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once.

During the holy month, many members of Bermuda’s Islamic community will head to the Masjid Muhammad to pray and enjoy the company of fellow believers.

Basim Muwwakkil, Imam at the mosque on Cedar Avenue, called it “a chance to recharge your batteries”.

“You can conquer not eating and drinking after a day or two, but then it’s about discipline — watching your mouth, keeping your temper and things of that nature,” he said.

“And if we read one-thirtieth of the Koran each day, we’ll complete it in 30 days, which will reminded ourselves of our duties.”

Despite the introspective nature of Ramadan, Dr Tankard said that non-Muslims were welcome to discover about both the holy month and Islam in general.

“You’re mindful of what’s expected from you and you’re in a pure state,” he added. “You draw on that spiritual energy that allows you to reach your goals. We see it as a prescription for personal development.”