Manal Elfakhani looks back fondly on childhood memories from the month of Ramadan. She would break her fast at the mosque with family and snack on sweet semolina flour cookies that she's since learned to bake herself.

Those who are too weak or frail to endure fasting due to old age are exempted. Instead, they can offer fidya (charitable compensation) by feeding the poor.

The holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching, with Muslims around the world preparing to fast for 30 days, from dawn to sunset.