Monday, March 11, marked the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It will be year 1445 on the Islamic calendar. The tradition began in the seventh century and commemorates the month when the Prophet Mohammed retreated to a cave north of Mecca for spiritual contemplation. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Quran was during its last 10 nights. The Quran describes this singular evening of worship as “better than a thousand months.” It marks the day when Muslims believe the angel Gabriel began giving Mohammed revelations from God.
