Ramadan, a period of fasting and contemplation, is considered the most spiritual month of the year for Muslims. Ramadan officially starts on the first day of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. The month commemorates the period of time that the Prophet Muhammad received divine revelation.

Daily fasting takes place between sunrise and sunset. During that time, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. It is common during fasting to have a pre-fast meal (Suhoor) before dawn and a post-fast meal (Iftar) after sunset.

Ramadan is observed by over 1 billion Muslims throughout the world.

© ProjectExplorer 2009-present
Text by Kathleen Davis