RAMADAN  , the

month of the Mahommedan year in which absolute fasting from dawn to sunset is required . The law is laid down in Koran ii . 179—184, and is as follows: A fast had always been a part of religion . In Islam it was to fall in this month because in it the Koran was revealed, and it was holier than the others . It was to begin when the new moon was actually seen, and last until sight of the next new moon; to extend each day from the time when a white thread could be distinguished from a black one and until nightfall; to be absolute in that time as to food, drink, women . The daytime should be passed, by preference, in retreat (i 'tikaf ) in the mosque in pious exercises; during the night all other-wise lawful things to be lawful . The sick and those on a journey might be excused, but should fast thereafter an equivalent number of days . Unexcused breaking of the fast might be atoned for by feeding of the poor . The last ten days of the month are regarded as especially sacred; these Mahomet himself used to pass in retreat . In the course of them falls the " Night of Decree," or " of Power " (Koran xc . I), but its exact date is not known . On it intercourse between heaven and earth is peculiarly open, and many wonders take place .

Fasting in Ramadan is reckoned one of the five pillars, or absolute requirements, of Islam . It is followed by the Lesser Festival, the first three days of the month Shauwal (see

BAIRAM) . Naturally, during it all the activities of life are reduced to a minimum, and those who can afford it turn night into day as much as possible . For details see Hughes, Dictionary of Islam, 533 ff . ; Sell, Faith of Islam, 279 ff . ; Sprenger, Leben Mohammads, iii . 56 ff . ; Snouck Hurgronje, Mekka, 51, 77 ff.; Meakin, The Moors, 247 ff.; Juynboll, De Mohammedaansche Wet, Io8 if . (D . B .