Another month of Ramadan is near completion for Muslims in East Lancashire and indeed around the world.

Those in observance would have refrained from food, beverages and water during the hours of sunrise and sunset.

Here in the UK it would have amounted to up to fourteen hours and this abstention extends to all pleasures of life and unnecessary indulges.

Prayers, Koranic recitation and meditation would have increased respectively and in general people tend to have a careful approach to all matters and behaviour in this month.

The purpose of this occasion is to connect with the inner-self and gain a higher spiritual awareness.

Hunger by self denial or fasting is an effective route to achieving this mental status and discipline.

The new moon will mark the end of Ramadan when Muslims will observe Eid with the morning prayers being the pinnacle of the day.

It is a time of modesty to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends.

It is vital the religious significance is not lost to loutish behaviour and folks letting their hair down' and making a scene.

Hopefully one day there shall be a collective singular approach t10 years ago.

Mr N MOMONIAT (address supplied)