Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was sent down to the lowest heaven during this month, thus being prepared for gradual revelation by the Angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell (Jahannum) would be closed. The first three days of the next month, Shawwal, is spent in celebrations and is observed as the “Festival of Breaking Fast” or “Eid ul-Fitr”. (Source: Wikipedia)
Ramadan is not always in July or even during the summer. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the Islamic lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. The Islamic day starts after sunset. In 2012, Ramadan is expected to begin on July 19 or 20.
