Ramadan is a time of reflection and spirituality. It is also a time to discipline oneself both morally and physically. Those who are able to utilise it by exercising restraint will gain the most from it, in terms of getting closer to God and their loved ones.

Fasting can improve a person's health, provided that they eat healthy and reasonable proportions. According to a senior doctor from the Ministry of Health though, people tend to get more obese and diabetic due to 'overeating' and/or consuming a lot of greasy and fatty meals.

Adequate nutrition is obviously needed as Muslims refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. But people should not let themselves go and gorge. Instead, they should follow a balanced diet.

Ramadan is a time for family and communal gatherings and as a result, many people tend to share iftar - the end of fast meal. While having a variety of dishes to choose from is great, there's a need to remember not to go overboard. Having huge quantities of food go to waste is in fact, very much contradictory to the spirit of Ramadan. Muslims are aware that this is a time for simplicity and to reach out to the needy and be more involved in charity work.