During Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. After sunset each day, they break the fast - usually with friends and loved ones - in a ritual called Iftar.

Ramadan is about "coming closer to one's spiritual self and overcoming the body's desire of satisfaction," said Mariam Hannon, a University junior and Muslim.

In addition to consuming no food or drink - including water - during the fasting hours, Muslims can not engage in smoking or sexual relations, Hannon said.

Chemical engineering graduate student Sahban Ozair said Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food, water and sex - it's about developing a closer relationship with God.

"Once you are fasting, your mind is more tuned to the things around you that you usually neglect and you start appreciating the beauty of God's creation," Ozair said.

Political science and sociology junior Muneer Karcher-Ramos said learning to appreciate what one has been given is also an important part of the fast.

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