Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture

Every year, Muslims around the world anticipate the sighting of the new crescent moon that signifies the official first day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most sacred month in Islamic culture. The start of Ramadan fluctuates each year because the lunar Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon.

• Ramadan, one of the months in the Islamic calendar, was also part of ancient Arabs’ calendars.
• The naming of Ramadan stems from the Arabic root “ar-ramad” which means scorching heat.
• Muslims believe that in 610, the angel Gabriel appeared to Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book.
• Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour.