Ramadan: Awaiting the Return of the Crescent

"Ramadan is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the fire." ~Hadith of the Prophet

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic Calendar. It's observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, as mandated in the Quran. Many important things happened in Ramadan, including the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. But Ramadan is more then just a month-long fast; it's a time to give thanks for the gift of the Quran through prayer and recitation, a time to focus on self-restraint and personal reflection, and a reminder to share your good fortune with others.

Here Patheos writers reflect on the significance of the holy month, providing resources for subduing our appetites in order to nourish our spirit.

For more information please see our Islam Library page, and our Ramadan FAQ. And for more stories related to Islam see our Patheos Muslim Channel.