Ramadan (RAH-mah-dahn).  In the ninth month, Muslims fast.  Although the moon determines the dating of festivals, and prayer times follow the rising and setting sun, during Ramadan, Muslims observe the fast from the first appearance of light to sunset.  Depending on the hourly length of days (whether Ramadan falls in summer, winter, spring or fall), fasting may require either very long or short days, depending on the season. During the night hours, Muslims take a special nutritional meal and otherwise engage in shopping and visiting. Nonetheless, the requirements of the fast can be harsh, especially abstention from drinking water when Ramadan falls during the hot months of the year. Westerners must be careful not to eat, drink, or smoke in the presence of Muslims during the prescribed hours of fasting. The law requires adherence to the fast in public.

Ramadan (RAH-mah-dahn) is a holy month of fasting wherein Muslims, who are physically able to refrain, do not eat, drink, smoke or engage in sexual activity, from the first sign of dawn until sunset.  This month is a time for spiritual reflection and discipline.  Pious adherents remember past sins.  They express gratitude to God for his guidance.  Many read through the entire Qur'an during this month.

The traditional Arabic greeting for Ramadan is "Ramadan Mubarak" (RAH-mah-dahn moo-BAR-ahk, "may God give you a blessed month").  Response is "Ramadan Karim (RAH-mah-dahn KAH-reem, "May God give you a generous month").

Jum’at al-Wada’ (juhm-at al-wha-DAH) is know as 'Farewell Friday'.  It is the last Friday of the month of Ramadan. Though not a strict festival, many Muslims consider it a special day.

Laylat al-Qadr (LAHAY-let al-KAHD-ehr) is known as the Night of Power. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an. This event came to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E. (A.D.), when he was forty years old. The observance includes the last ten days of Ramadan as no one knows the exact night the Prophet first received God's revelation. Sometimes during this event, pious Muslims seclude themselves in a mosque, leaving only when necessary.

’Id al-Fitr (i-EED al FAHT-ehr), Festival of the Breaking of the Fast of Ramadan.  Along with ‘Id al-Fitr, Id al-Adha comprise the two main Islamic festivals. ‘Id al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan. It comes on the first day of the month Shawwal which follows Ramadan.  Usually the holiday lasts for three days with family members gathering to exchange presents and celebrate together.  When possible, the faithful attend mosques.  It is also an occasaion to pay special alms for the poor ("zakat al-fitr," ZAH-kat al FAHT-ehr).  

Id al-Adha (i-EED ahl-OOHD-hah), the Festival of Sacrifice concludes the act of pilgrimage.  It usually occures two to three months after Ramadan.  Muslims offer sheep, goats, and camels in a pattern after Abraham’s offering of his son Ismail to God. The poor and needy receive the meat. Muslims observe these two festivals (Day of Hajj and Id al-Adha) whether on pilgrimage or not.

Islam considers Ismail the rightful heir, the son to be sacrificed.  (in the Judeo-Christian tradition, Abraham's second son Isaac, is the true heir, the son to be sacrificed]).

Traditional Arabic greeting for this day is "Id Mabarak" (id moo-BAH-ahk, "may God make it a blessed feast").