Ramadan

What is Ramadan?
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars are:

1. Faith - Faith entails believing we should only worship the Creator of the Universe and not worship human beings, animals, statues, our desires, or anything else. Faith also entails belief that our Creator sent guidance of right and wrong via messengers such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the Final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad. His message served to purify the guidance of the previous messengers from alterations made by mankind over the centuries. His message also provided a comprehensive set of divine laws for humankind, applicable to all situations for all times to come.
2. Prayer - Establishing prayer five times a day, serving as a reminder through out the day of our purpose in life: to worship our Creator.
3. Zakat - Mandatory charity given once a year by those who have the means. Voluntary charity is also heavily emphasized in Islam.
4. Fasting - Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan, thereby developing characteristics of patience, self-restraint, and God consciousness.
5. Hajj - Pilgrimage to the city of Mecca for those who are financially and physically able. It is a spiritual quest of submission to God and purification of the heart.