Ramadan (/ˌræməˈdɑːn/, also US: /ˌrɑːm-, ˈræmədɑːn, ˈrɑːm-/,^[6][7][8] UK: /ˈræmədæn/;^[9] Arabic: رمضان‎, romanized: Ramaḍān [ramaˈdˤaːn];^{[note 1]} Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, or Ramathan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar,^[10] observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection and community.^[11] A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation,^{[citation needed]} the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam^[12] and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.^[13][14]

Fasting from sunrise to sunset is fard (obligatory) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating.^[15] The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar.^[16][17] Although fatwas have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca,^[18] it is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.^[19][20][21]

The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan.^[22] Accordingly, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behavior,^[23][24] devoting themselves instead to salat (prayer), recitation of the Quran,^[25][26] and the performance of charitable deeds^{[citation needed]} as they strive for purity and heightened awareness of God (taqwa).^[ci