Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.

During this month, called the Fast of Ramadan, Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the month long fast, strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day, the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar, it is customary for Muslims to go visit family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the mosque and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh Prayer or Night Prayer. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.

When the fast ends, it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr. Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and eat large meals.

– www.holidays.net