An 1843 panorama showing the Eid al-Fitr procession of the Emperor Bahadur Shah
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It takes place from June 17 to July 17 this year. The first day marks when the prophet Muhammad began receiving the revelations that would one day be compiled by his followers into the holy Quran.
During the month of Ramadan, followers of Islam abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk, engage in prayer and spiritual reflection, refrain from unholy thoughts and actions, and give generously to charity. Nightly at sunset, the day’s fast is broken with community meals. Ramadan continues until the first day of the following month, Eid al-Fitr, which is marked by celebrations.
Celebrating each other's holidays has become a way for the United Religions Initiative family to show mutual respect and appreciation. URI is comprised of many grassroots peacebuilding groups called Cooperation Circles, which are formed by people of at least three different religions, spiritual expressions, and indigenous traditions. Explore our Cooperation Circles around the world, many of whom will be observing Ramadan.