For people of the Muslim faith, Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar and the holiest time of the year. During Ramadan, the gates of heaven are said to remain open, while the entrance to hell is closed and Satan is kept in chains. It is a period of intense devotion to Allah, to God.

Siyam, or fasting, is one way of showing this devotion. Muslim's don't eat, drink, or have marital relations between sunrise and sunset. Instead, they have a meal called sohur before daybreak and a dinner called iftar in the evening. This Ramadan fast is meant to help individuals attain taqwa, or God-consciousness. The fast also awakens compassion for and solidarity with the poor. Another important part of Ramadan is prayer. Though Muslims are required to pray five times a day throughout the year, these daily prayers have special significance during the month of Ramadan. At evening prayers over the course of the month, Muslims also read through their entire holy book, the Quran.

Ramadan draws to a close with Eid-al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Muslims dress in their best clothes, decorate their homes with light, and visit with family and friends. Though they celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, they remember its message and traditionally give gifts to the poor (Zakat al Fitr) on this day as well.