Things you may not realise will break your fast, including listening to music

Today marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan. One of the most important times in a Muslim's life, Ramadan is a time for self reflection and for many a time to strengthen their faith.

Lasting 30 days, Muslims will abstain from drinking water or eating food from sunrise to sun set and will be breaking their fast in the evening. Islamic institutions have reported sightings of the crescent of the new moon and it has been announced that many will begin their fast on Thursday (March 23).

READ MORE: 'The first week will be the hardest': Top tips for your first Ramadan and what to expect when you are fasting

Fasting during Ramadan is considered obligatory for all healthy Muslim men, women and children who have reached puberty. Fasting is seen as an act of worshipping in itself.

The idea is that it helps Muslims remember that Allah is the source of all sustenance. It is also a time for charity and good will and extra care and attention is paid to the poor and less fortunate.

A fast can be broken however during this period. When a fast is broken before iftar, the person must pay back that day by fasting once Ramadan is over.

There are many ways that fasting can be broken, the most commonly known one is deliberately eating or drinking, having sexual intercourse and for women, when their menstrual cycle begins. However, there are some things that may break your fast which you are unaware of.

Listening to music

This is more of a contentious issue in the Islamic world. Many scholars belief that listening to music in general is forbidden due to the nature of the content in contemporary music.

Others believe that listening to music during Ramadan Is not only haram but distracts you from focusing on studying, reading or