Penza, 20 July 2012. PenzaNews. Muslims of the Penza region met Ramadan, the ninth month of Islamic calendar which is sacred, at the sunset on Thursday, July 19.

Strict fast is observed during the month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and having sex during daylight hours. Breaking of the fast, Iftar, comes with the sunset.

According to tradition, it is better to have meal together with the faithful; dinners often take place in mosques.

Sawm of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with Shahadah (the professing that there is only one God – Allah), Salat (the Islamic prayer), Zakat (alms-giving) and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca).

During the month, Muslims are trying to make as many good deeds as they can: they give alms, read the Koran, invite guests, visit the believers and perform collective prayer, including taraweeh prayers.

The month of Ramadan and fasting will finish on August 19. There will be a holiday Eid al-Fitr celebrated on this day.