The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on September 1. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a time to focus on the Koran and on the blessings of God. It is traditional for muslims to fast between sunrise and sunset during this period and to reflect on their religion and their spirituality. In the excellent video below, American muslims discuss celebrating Ramadan in the United States:

Today, January 10, is the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar (the one most widely used in western countries), the Islamic calendar is lunar-based and the dates change each year.
Islamic New Year, called al-hijra, is a quietly observed occasion, a time for reflection, for setting goals, and for evaluating one’s life. It is also the beginning of the observance of the anniversary of Mohammad’s move from Mecca to Medina to set up the first Islamic state.
(photo credit: istockphoto)