Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the time of fasting for the Islamic people. Muslims from all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive during this holy month from dawn until the sun sets. It is the time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God and practice selflessness. The fasting phase ends upon the sighting of the next new moon which takes place after 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan is also called Ramzan, during which the muslims request forgiveness for their past sins, pray for direction and assistance in everyday troubles and to cleanse themselves through self-control and acts of faith. The lunar cycle determines the Islamic calendar and the holy month of Ramadan which is the ninth month commences with a sighting of the new moon as well as astronomical calculations.
