Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Neither food nor drink is allowed from dusk till dawn for the whole duration of the month of Ramadan. Every day of Ramadan starts with the special tradition of preparing for fasting with prayers and a meal, and ends with breaking the fast followed by the special series of evening prayers. The month of Ramadan lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.