Ramadan is significant to Muslims

A. Most importantly, the first revelation of the Quran is believed to have been revealed during this month. Quran is the holy book of Muslims believed to have been revealed to Muhammad, who was the last of God's prophets on earth. Muslims recite the Quran at home and read its translations and many try to attend classes where its translation is further explained by learned scholars.

B. Ramadan is the holiest of Islamic months where the reward of the good deeds are multiplied excessively. Muslims make sure they can reap maximum reward during this month and try to focus upon achieving those good deeds.

C. It is a month of purification of mind, soul and acts - hence Muslims are expected to stay away from bad deeds along with food, drink and smoke and spend this time focused on pleasing Allah and humanity.

D. According to Islamic teachings, the first 10 days of Ramadan are of mercy, next 10 days are for forgiveness, and last 10 days are of distance from Hellfire. Muslims pray excessively during this month not only because the rewards are greater, but also in order to win the mercy, forgiveness and distance from hell that has been promised to them.

E. Ramadan is about sharing - the fact that one abstains from eating and drinking reminds one of the hardship of those who cannot afford to eat or drink as much. It teaches one patience in front of hardship and gratitude to God at all costs.

F. Muslims perform the most charitable acts during this month. "Zakat" which is compulsory charity on all Muslims calculated according to the savings one has over a year's time can be given out all year through but Muslims spend most on zakat during this month. Apart from this there is "fitra" which is compulsory charity during Ramadan, specifically calculated on the cost of food items like grain and wheat, and is given to the needy.

G. Continuing with the idea of sharing, Muslims share food with their neighbors, family, friends and the poor during Ramadan. This increases the sense of community and love.