the religious holiday marks the time when Muhammad received the initial revelations that would become the Quran.
Reading the Quran, Islam's holy book is among the rituals practiced throughout the 29 to 30 days
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars that make up the core of Islam
addition to the profession of faith (Shahada), prayer five times a day (Salat), giving alms to charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
Since Ramadan follows the lunar Islamic calendar, the holiday commences when the first crescent of a new moon is spotted
the first appearance of the crescent moon, Ramadan starts at sundown on April 2 and lasts through May 1 in the United States this year
While fasting is the most significant tradition Muslims observe during Ramadan
Through fasting, Muslims believe that their relationship with God will be strengthened, as it makes up one of the Five Pillars of Islam.