Ramadan 101: Ten facts about the holy month of Ramadan

2. What is the purpose of Ramadan?

Khaled al-Hariri/Reuters
Fruits are displayed for sale at Al-Shaalan market a day before the fasting month of Ramadan in Damascus, Syria, July 9, 2013.

During Ramadan, observers are expected to abstain from food, drink, and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. Removing these comforts from daily routine is intended to focus the mind on prayer, spirituality, and charity and to purify the body and mind. Muslims are also expected to abstain from impurities such as gossip and cursing.

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