This time of the year is the month of Ramadan. Lasting from Wednesday, March 22, 2023 – Thursday, April 20, 2023, Ramadan is celebrated by people of the Islamic religion. It begins and ends on the nights of crescent moons.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting happens in a lot of religions but it isn’t always the same; for example, in Christianity you might fast for breakfast and lunch, but you can eat dinner on Sundays. However, for Ramadan, people who fast do not eat or drink food and water during daylight hours. As soon as the sun goes down, they are free to eat and drink as much as they want. It is a popular tradition to start with a Date as that is what the prophet Muhammad ate to break his fast. However, not everyone has to fast. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, travelers, and women who are pregnant do not have to fast.

The month of Ramadan celebrates Muhammed finding the Qur’an, the holy book for Muslims and a guide for humankind. It is a time for giving and helping people. During the month-long celebration many people will give to charities or volunteer. In addition to helping people, it is expected not to curse, lie, or have bad intentions. These actions can negate the validity of a fast. However, if you can’t fast you can add extra days to the end of the month to make up for it.

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (a celebration which follows the end of the fasting) which is one of the two widely celebrated holidays in Islam. It is known as a day of joy and thanking Allah (the god of Islam) for the strength to finish the spiritual month. It is a day for prayers gratitude and happiness. Many people visit their relatives, give to charity or exchange gifts along with lots of eating!