Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. During Ramadan, practicing Muslims don't eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset each day for the entire month (about 29 or 30 days). This practice is called fasting, and it's one of the five core practices of Islam.

The fast ends each evening with a meal called iftar, often shared with family and friends. Many families wake up before dawn for a pre-fast meal called suhoor. Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan helps them develop self-discipline, gratitude for what they have, and empathy for people who don't have enough to eat. The month emphasizes prayer, reading the Quran (Islam's holy book), and acts of charity.

Young children, elderly people, those who are sick, and travelers are excused from fasting. Kids usually start fasting gradually as they get older, perhaps beginning with half days.

Ramadan ends with a joyful celebration called Eid al-Fitr, when families gather for feasts, exchange gifts, and celebrate the completion of the month. The exact timing of Ramadan shifts earlier by about 11 days each year because the Islamic calendar follows the cycles of the moon rather than the sun.