Ramadan begins today

Many Muslims ascend on Mecca (pictured) during Ramadan.

"Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

This includes a fast of smoking, drinking (yes, even water) and even sex. They evening meal begins at sunset and is an event usually shared with family (almost like Thanksgiving everyday for 30 days).

As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

My Muslim ex-boyfriend once told me it's a time of absolution for the past years "regressions".

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.