During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast for 30 days. Therefore Ramadan has a special meaning for Muslims: during this month, the Qur’an-ı Kerim was revealed as a guide for people; this time should be understood as a month of inner reflection and contemplation for every Muslim. For example; eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse are forbidden from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is based on the moon. It is ten or eleven days shorter per year than the solar calendar, so Ramadan takes place at a different time each year. According to the Qur’ an-ı Kerim, daily fasting begins as soon as you can distinguish a white thread from a black one at dawn.
For example; people who are sick, nursing women and travelers are exempt from fasting. However they should complete it later. As a rule, small children do not fast either. Eid al-Fitr, one of the two most important festivals in Islam, is celebrated at the end of Ramadan.