“Is there any reward for good other than good?” Quran 55:60

1. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink.
2. Ramadan is the ninth month, the most holy month, of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins with the sighting of the new moon. There are approx. 354 days in a lunar calendar based on phases of moon, therefore Islamic calendar moves 11 days backward each year w.r.t. conventional Gregorian calendar. Being lunar means that within a span of every thirty years or so, the month of Ramadan falls in each of the four seasons.
3. It is believed that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. The first revelation was sent down on Laylat-al-Qadr (the night of power) which is one of the five odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (Taaq Raat i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 night). Thus last ten days of month of Ramadan are more significant and intense.
4. The common practice during Ramadan is fasting which begins at dawn and ends at sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhur or sehri, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called the iftar. Usually fast is broken with dates, water and light snacks followed by evening prayers and dinner.
5. It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, as long as they are healthy and sane, and have no disabilities or medical conditions.
6. Fasting means abandoning. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. It teaches how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, empathy and solidarity for those who are less fortunate and are fasting day and night without a choice; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (zakat).
7. It is believed “When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked up and devils are put in chains”. Here, I personally interpret Paradise achieved through Compassion towards others and Hell by locking of Ego which we all possess.
8. The length of the dawn to sunset time varies in different parts of the world. Most Muslims fast 11-16 hours a day. However, in polar regions daylight may exceed over 20 hours per day in summers. This makes fasting in summers (not eating food and drinking water) very difficult. On contrary, when Ramadan falls in winters the days are shorter, weather is cold and thus fasting becomes easier.
9. Actions that Muslims are commanded to abstain during fasting hours are eating, drinking (water),  sexual relations, negative thoughts, sinful speech and activities. Some people even avoid listening music and watching television.
10. If for any reason the fast is broken, becomes invalid or cannot be continued, usually in case of medical illness or menstrual cycle for women, the person has to make up for it after Ramadan.
11. The month of Ramadan is a time of devotion, spiritual reflection and self-improvement in terms of oneself, one’s behavior with others and one’s relationship with the divine. This is accomplished by reading and listening to recitations of Quran and through self-introspection.
12. Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again, marking the start of new lunar month. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and is the day of feasting.