Muslims all over the globe began on Sunday a month –long fast to mark one of Islam’s most important religious observances – the Ramadan.

Fasting during the Ramadan period is one of the five pillars of Islam and, this year, Muslims will fast until the September 30 or October 1.

The Islamic tradition says that during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, the month of the Ramadan, the Qur'an began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century. The first verse of Islam’s holly book was revealed during the Laylat al-Qadr, "The Night of Decrees" or "Night of Measures." Laylat al-Qadr falls during an odd night in the last 10 days of Ramadan and is considered the holiest night of the year.

During this holly month, all healthy adult Muslims must not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Muslims are advised and pray more during the Ramadan and ask for forgiveness for their sins. Sexual activity is forbidden during fasting time.

The point of fasting is to teach one patience and humility. For the Muslims, fasting (sawm) redirects the heart away from worldly activities and directs its focus to clean the soul.

However, the Ramadan is observed quite differently around the globe. In Nigeria for example, it’s a very festive occasion and even if you aren’t Muslim you will know what month of the Islamic calendar is because TV channels feature Ramadan programs and most radio stations play Quran recitations.

The Islamic calendar is lunar so the Ramadan arrives 11 days earlier every year on the Gregorian calendar. During this time of the year, Muslims are also more charitable and spend more time citing from the Qur’an.