What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a month on the lunar calendar which the Muslims follow for religious holidays. It is said that this is the month when the Qu'ran was revealed to Mohammad by the angel Gabriel while he was fasting. It is also thought that since Mohammad was influenced by Christians, he was exposed to the tradition of Lent and was creating a similar month for Arabs.

Muslims are required from sunrise to sunset to refrain from eating, drinking, or things that would make them unclean such as smoking and lying. It is a time of repentance, empathy for the poor, giving to the poor, and recognition of the sacredness of the month. On the "Night of Power," the 27th of Ramadan, heaven's doors are believed to open and Muslims are to pray through the night in hopes of receiving forgiveness for their sins. The entire Qu'ran is recited on this night and those who die then are said to go straight to heaven.