RAMADAN

in Islam, the holy month of fasting, the ninth month of the Muslim year, in which the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance for the people (Qur'an 2:185). In its religious function, the month is similar to the Jewish Yom Kippur inasmuch as both constitute a period of atonement; Ramadan, however, is seen less as atonement and more as an obedient response to a command from God. Muslim ordinance prescribes abstention from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk throughout the month. The beginning and end of Ramadan are announced when one trustworthy witness testifies before the authorities that the new moon has been sighted; a cloudy sky may, therefore, delay or prolong the fast. In the Qur'an, the development of the Ramadan fast, which is one of the five Pillars, or basic institutions, of Islam, may be traced from the injunction to fast on 'Ashura' (q.v.), the 10th of Muharram, probably once identical with the Jewish Day of Atonement. This injunction was abrogated by a command to fast during Ramadan (2:184).