 Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the most sacred observances of each year for Muslims. The holy month begins and ends with the appearance of a crescent moon, though not always during the same season. Because the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan falls at a different time of year every year. In 2024, Ramadan begins on March 10th and ends on April 9th. Islamic tradition tells us that Allah, meaning God in Arabic, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel, the Quran, Islam's holy book, to offer guidance for his people. Laila al-Qadar, or the Night of Power, is celebrated with a full night of prayer, typically on the 27th evening of Ramadan, to commemorate this. Surrounding this custom, practicing Muslims fasts from sunrise to sundown for a total of 30 days. Fasting is the fourth obligatory pillar of Islam, called Saum. Fasting means no food, no drink, including water, and no other indulgences as long as the sun is shining. Fasting is meant to be a spiritual challenge, but not a threat to one's health. People who are ill, traveling, menstruating, or pregnant are excused from fasting and encourage instead to volunteer or engage in additional prayer to practice their faith. Regardless of how individuals engage, Ramadan offers this time for Muslims to practice their spirituality, reflect on their blessings, embrace unity and community, and as the saying goes, empty their summits to feed their souls. Ramadan can prove to be a challenging spiritual time, as outside of fasting and prayer, Muslims must continue to tend to daily life responsibilities. In the morning, Muslims arise before sunrise to eat a meal called Sohoor or Sehri. Some communities play drums or ring bells to remind others that it is time for this meal. During the day, Muslims test their faith through dehydration, fatigue, and headaches as they continue their studies or jobs. In many Muslim-majority countries, work hours are adjusted and sometimes reduced to allow for full participation in Ramadan. Schools and workplaces, such as ours in Arlington, can accommodate Muslims who are fasting for Ramadan by providing a safe, private, dedicated prayer space for their five daily prayers and offering a flexible schedule to support their comfort and productivity. In the evening, Muslims engage in a sunset prayer, and when the sun sets, gather together in homes or mosques to break their fast with family and friends in a meal called the Iftar. Traditionally, fast is broken with dates, apricots, and or sweetened milk. Many Muslims engage in additional prayers after the Iftar, such as the Taravi prayers at the mosque, many of which extend beyond the midnight hours. Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with the Id al-Fitr or the Feast of Fast-Breaking, which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Muslim calendar. Id al-Fitr celebrations are joyous and often elaborate. Children wear new clothes while families bake special pastries, exchange gifts, visit the graves of loved ones, and gather for meals and prayer in mosques. While there is tremendous cultural diversity in preferred Ramadan cuisines and celebrations, Ramadan is a time where all Muslims seek to steer towards family, community, spiritual purification, and compassion. Ramadan serves as a reminder of those who are less fortunate, who have no other option but to fast all day every day, even outside the month of Ramadan. We wish a peaceful Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate.