Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. People of the Muslim faith celebrate worldwide a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. The annual event is one of the Five Pillars Of Islam. The month lasts 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. The actual word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means extreme heat or dryness. This year, Ramadan will be observed beginning on the evening of Friday, May 26 until Saturday, June 24.
The beginning and end of Ramada is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. The moon is used to determine the beginning of Ramadan. The "night of power" is the holiest night of the year for those of Muslim faith. This is the night that is believed to be the first revelation of the Quran. The end of Ramadan comes at the beginning of the next lunar month. The first day of the following month is determined after another crescent new moon is seen.
All Muslim adults fast throughout the month except those who are sick, elder pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding or traveling. Fasting occurs from dawn until sunset as they refrain from consuming food, liquids, smoking and sexual activities. Food and drink are consumed before dawn and after sunset. Rewards for fasting during Ramadan believe to multiply during this month. Fasting is said to redirect the heart away from things going on around them and in the world, it is believed to cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities that may harm it. The act of fasting also serves as a lesson of practicing self-discipline and self-control as well as sacrificing oneself and feeling empathy for those less fortunate.