Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. It is a time of spiritual and social rejuvenation and bonding for believers globally, through the ritual of fasting. Although perceived to be somewhat austere, fasting on the other hand is looked upon by Muslims as one of the pinnacles of their devotion and love for God. The month of Ramadan thus facilitates as a personal retreat for believers, who are encouraged to better themselves spiritually, physically and socially.

Ramadan varies between 29 and 30 days each year, due to the Islamic calendar which follows a lunar cycle. Consequently, the Islamic calendar moves back 10 days every year and thus Ramadan starts on a different Gregorian date each year.

Ramadan serves as a positive physical challenge each year. Throughout a Muslim's lifetime, Ramadan will fall both during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long and the fast is more difficult. Accordingly, it is a test of devotion, in which physical endurance mirrors the inner spiritual state, which a believer constantly strives to improve.