* Ramadan is the ninth month of the year in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Muslims believe it was the month God revealed the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed.
* During daylight hours for 30 days, observant Muslims fast, taking neither food nor drink. They also can't smoke or have sex and are discouraged from cursing and speaking ill of others.
* Most Muslims here began observing Ramadan on Aug. 11. But some Muslim groups began fasting a day earlier or later, depending on when Islamic leaders in their country see the first sliver of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of the month.