Ramadan is one of the five requirements (or pillars) of Islam. During each of its 30 days, Muslims are obligated to fast from sunrise until sunset. During this time they are supposed to abstain from food, drinking liquids, smoking, and sexual relations.
Women typically spend the afternoons preparing a big meal. At sunset, families often gather to break the fast. They usually break the fast with dates and a tomato soup called harira. Families often go to parks, or men to coffee shops, to hang out late into the night.
Many become more serious about religion during this time, even if they aren't the rest of the year. Many attend the evening prayer services, do the other ritual prayers, and read the entire Quran throughout the month. This sincere seeking makes it a strategic time for us to pray for them.