Ramdan, the ninth month of the Islamic year, is a holy month of fasting ordained by the Koran for all adult Muslims . According to the Koran, the fast of Ramadan has beeninstituted so that believers will become more pieous. This particular month was designatedbecause it was the month during which Muhammad received the first of the Koran'srevelations.The fast during Ramadan begins each day at dawn and ends immediately at sunset. During thefast Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke. Before going to sleep each night, specialcongregational prayers are offered in which long passages of the Koran are read. The nightbetween the 26th and 27th days of Ramadan, the night of the first revaltion, is called the Night ofDetermination, during which God determines the course of the world for the following year. Theday after the end of Ramadan is called the Fast-Breaking and is celebrated with special prayersand festivities....
