Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic Holidays “move” each year. For more than a billion Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan is a “month of blessing” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity.

Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation" .  At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in fasting from about age twelve. Because fasting can be difficult, youth under the age of 12, travelers, sick people and women in certain conditions are exempted from the fast.Also the required prayers during the month make it difficult for students to balance schoolwork and Islamic obligations.

During the Fast of Ramadan 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.  Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises.At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Ramadan should show the Muslims how less fortunate people often have to live. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
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The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -

The telling of a lie , Slander , Denouncing someone behind his back , A false oath , Greed or Covetousness These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (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 (Night 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 (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations. Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. On this day, Muslims are prohibited from fasting. It marks the end of Ramadan.  In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.