On May 5, many Muslims worldwide began observing Ramadan. For those who are not familiar with it or wish to learn more, below are a few facts from The Guardian about Ramadan. 

• Ramadan, the ninth and most sacred month for Muslims, begins today and ends for most on the evening of Tuesday, June 4.
• The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, in which 12 months add up to 354 days.
• This is why the first day of Ramadan moves back by 11 days each year and its conclusion, Eid, is announced on sighting of the moon, which varies from region to region.
• Mosques issue a schedule for those fasting according to local sunrise and sunset times.
• Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the other four being testimony of faith, daily prayers, charity and the Hajj – making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Muslims see Ramadan as a time for recharging their faith with extra focus and discipline in prayers and the teachings of the Qur’an. Once the month of fasting is complete, there will be three days of celebration – the Eid al-Fitr.