What is ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, lasting 29 or 30 days. It begins when the new crescent moon is sighted after sunset, and fasting starts at the next dawn. Throughout the month Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and sunset, rising before dawn for a meal called suhoor and breaking the fast at sunset. The Quran says fasting was prescribed so that believers may attain God-consciousness, and it names Ramadan as the month in which the Quran itself was sent down, which is why Muslims recite and study it far more during these weeks. Those who are ill or travelling may fast other days instead, because, as the Quran says, God intends ease and not difficulty. The month ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The article “Ramadan and Fasting” gives a full overview.