Why do Muslims fast all day?

Countless Muslims all over the world on Monday indicated the beginning of Ramadan, a month of intense prayer, morning-to- night fetes and dusk fasting. Others will begin fasting after, Tuesday, because of moon-sighting methodology that may lead to distinct states declaring the beginning of Ramadan a day or two.

As with fasting in other spiritual traditions, it is viewed as a means to spiritually and physically purify oneself. Muslims feed the starving during Ramadan and regularly give to charities. Many use their downtime to recite the Quran and spend additional time at mosques.

Fasting during Ramadan is among the five pillars of Islam, as well as the Muslim declaration of daily prayer, faith, charity, and performing the hajj pilgrimage.