In Islam, a holy month of fasting, the ninth month of the Muslim
year, commemorating the revelation of the Learn more about
Ramadan with a free trial on Britannica.com. Laylat al-Qadr,
considered the most holy night of the year, is the night in
which the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammed. Muslims believe it to
have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days
of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or
29th (in Sunni thought) or the 19th, 21st or 23rd (in Shi'a
thought). Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr, with much celebration
and feasts. During the month following Ramadan, called Shawwal,
Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days, known as
as-Sitta al-Bayḍ, or "the white six." Ramadan is a time of
reflecting and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more
effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid
obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual thoughts and
activities during fasting hours are also forbidden. Purity of
both thought and action is impor