Ramadan Observance is a religious practice observed by Muslims during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual activity from dawn to sunset. The FAST is broken each evening with a meal known as iftar. The observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is meant to bring believers closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Fasting is an important part of Ramadan Observance and is seen as a way to become more spiritually aware and to practice self-discipline. Religiously, it is believed that fasting during Ramadan brings one closer to God.