Ramadan
(Islamic)

Unlike many lunar calendars, the Islamic one makes no adjustment for the solar year. Months can fall in any season, each festival coming at a slightly earlier time each year. Ramadan is one of the oldest of the holy observances in Islam and probably has its roots in long-forgotten, moon-centered worship. Today Ramadan takes place during the entire ninth month of the year — the same month in which Islam's chief prophet Mohammed, recieved his revelations from Allah (God) — and is solemnized by prayer and daytime abstinence from food, drink, smoking and sex.