THOUSANDS of Muslims across the south are preparing for the start of the holy period of Ramadan on Monday.

Scores of worshippers will descend on mosques across Hampshire for special prayers to start the month.

It marks the time of year when it is believed the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven as a guide for mankind.

Similar prayers will be held for a month and Muslims will observe fasting between sunrise and sunset.

Muslims say Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of worship and contemplation.

The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers - Eid ul-Fitr, or Feast of the Fast-Breaking, on or around November 25.

One of the best-known aspects of the period is the fasting and abstinence observed between sunrise and sunset throughout the month.

During the hours of daylight nothing apart from air should pass the lips of devotees, meaning eating, drinking and smoking are all forbidden until the sun sinks beneath the horizon.

The fast can then be broken with a prayer and a meal called the Iftar.