Ramadan

21 August--19 September 2009
(9th month of the Islamic Calendar)

• Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship
• It is a month-long fast (dawn to sunset) reinforcing patience, modesty and spirituality for all practicing Muslims.
• The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.
• In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an over the course of the month
• Eid ul-Fitr is the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, symbolizing the breaking of the fasting period.