Guide Note

Ramadan is an Islamic holiday celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The observance of Ramadan serves to commemorate the initial revelation of the Qu'ran. Observers fast during daylight hours and pray throughout the month.

Fast Facts

1. 2008 Ramadan is predicted to start on August 31 and ends on September 29 or September 30¹
2. Begins at the first sighting of the new moon
3. Fasting known as the "Sawm" in Arabic
4. Fast includes abstentions from drinking, smoking, profane language and sex¹
5. Meals are permitted between sunset and dawn
6. Five prayers required during the day¹
7. The ill are exempt from fasting until well

Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to reread the Qu'ran, in addition to their fasting and praying obligations.² The end of Ramadan is marked by the next new moon. The festival of Eid ul-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast.