The Islamic commemoration of Ramadan begins this week, and as area Muslims prepare for the month-long reflection (see accompanying schedule at left), the Huffington Post offers an overview of Ramadan, at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/9-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-ramadan_us_574352b7e4b045cc9a71a924.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.
This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts.