This year, the Islamic holiday Ramadan takes place from August 1st to the 29th. To Muslims, Ramadan marks the month God bestowed the first verses of the Qur'an to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Ramadan's date changes in the Gregorian calendar because its time each year is based on the 9-month Islamic calendar. Celebrations for Ramadan include month-long fasting during daytime, and more time dedicated to prayer.

Fasting in Ramadan occurs from dawn to dusk and includes abstaining from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, and the viewing or hearing of obscene or irreligious sights and sounds. Fasting is supposed to help Muslims detach themselves from worldly activities and become more spiritual. Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Qur'an during Ramadan and to focus less on worldly affairs. Muslims are expected to work on spiritual cleansing, charity, good deeds, and helping others. People will prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family, friends, and the poor. The preparation of special foods is for the Iftari, a traditional fast-breaking meal at the end of the day.

Decorations can also be a part of Ramadan, including lit lanterns or colorful lights strung up in public places. Ramadan ends with the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr about 29 or 30 days after the beginning of Ramadan. During this holiday people dress in their best clothing, gather for a morning prayer, and then enjoy feasting and visiting friends and family.

To read more about Ramadan, take a look at some of these titles:

• Ramadan by Sheila Anderson
• A Party in Ramadan by Asma Mobin-Uddin
• Magid Feasts for Ramadan by Mary Matthews
• Ramadan: Count and Celebrate by Fredrick McKissack

Written by volunteer Robert D.