This month marks the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is an Islamic holiday and a Holy Month of Fasting. This month is where the first verses of the Quran (Islam’s Holy Book) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammed.

The Muslim calendar follows the Lunar cycle and each new month starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon.

During this holy month, Muslims fast, donate to charity, and strengthen their relationship with Allah. They are encouraged to do this by showing kindness and patience and reading the Quran.

The most common tradition associated with Ramadan is fasting. But why do they fast and what are the rules?

Fasting is part of the Five Pillars of Islam, which dictates how Muslims are required to live life. The other pillars contain the profession of faith, prayer five times a day, zakat- which is a type of charity, and taking the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. When Muslims fast during Ramadan, it is meant to encourage them to reflect spiritually.

When they are fasting they cannot eat or drink anything from sun up to sun down. This also applies to drinking water, but only until sundown. There are exceptions to these rules for children, anyone who is ill, or breastfeeding women. Fasting lasts between 29-30 days. This year, fasting started on March 11 and is predicted to end on April 9.

Along with fasting, there are also celebrations. Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr are both days of celebrations where families and friends share big meals, pray, and children even receive small gifts.

So if you know anyone who celebrates Ramadan wish them a Ramadan Mubarak, which means Blessed Ramadan!