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Ramadan is the holiest month on the lunar Islamic calendar — a time for fasting, taming human passions, and developing compassion for those less fortunate ("O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may aquire self-restraint " Qur'an 2:183).

For Muslims worldwide, the start of the month is based on sightings of the moon, as well as other astronomical calculations.

In the United States, most communities follow the decision of the Islamic Society of North America for the highly-anticipated start of Ramadan.

When is Ramadan? In 2009, Ramadan starts on Friday, August 21st and continues for 30 days until Tuesday, September 19th.

Throughout the Muslim world, traditional daily fasting begins at sunrise or Fajr, and ends at sundown or Maghrib, when foods prepared especially for the month of Ramadan are eagerly devoured!

The official end of Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the new moon in the night sky, marking the Festival of Fast-Breaking or Eid-ul-Fitr which is observed by families or by entire communities — who come together to worship and celebrate the end of Ramadan in thanksgiving of life's many bounties.

More about Ramadan around the Web:

On the Web, discover more about Ramadan traditions and prayers, along with a cache of Ramadan recipes, e-cards, kids pages, downloads, Quran study lessons - and the sacrifices, strength and joy felt at Ramadan - a month-long testimony to faith and spirit observed by the planet's more than one billion Muslims who each year celebrate Ramadan around the world ...

IslamiCity.com Ramadan Information Center - One stop browsing for Ramadan prayer timetables, a database of mosques searchable by U.S. state, Quran study lessons, daily live webcasting of Taraweeh and the pre-recorded Taraweeh prayers from prior years held in Makkah, plus Q&A on Ramadan, Taraweeh, Laylatul Qadr, fasting and Zakatul Fitr, and live Webcasts, video presentations and more with paid membership.

BBC Religion & Ethics - Ramadan - Excellent collection of stories, traditions, recipes and observances of Ramadan around the world, photo galleries, multimedia guide, e-cards, related links.

Essentials of Ramadan, The Fasting Month - A virtual encyclopedia of traditions and customs including the complete fasting tradition, the giving of alms, nightly prayers, and observing the end of Ramadan. Includes glossary of terms, bibliography.

Islamic Holidays & Observances - Ramadan - Quick overview of its meaning with information on spiritual aspects as well as community customs, foods, and traditional wishes for Ramadan in Turkish and Arabic.

Ramadan - Fact Sheet for Teachers - Lesson plans and ideas for the classroom including information on the lunar calendar, fasting rituals, key people and places, vocabulary words, suggested student activities, and a list of discussion questions.

101 Ramadan.com - A selection of Ramadan e-cards, inspirational quotes, related links.

Ramadan Around the World

Ramadan Recipes

also see in Holidays & Observances -> Eid ul-Adha & The Hajj