Today marks the start of Ramadan. If you're not familiar with the Muslim holy month, here's what you need to know:
The tradition began in the seventh century and commemorates the month when the Prophet Mohammed retreated to a cave north of Mecca for spiritual contemplation.Each year since, Ramadan's weeks of spiritual introspection build toward Laylat al-Qadr, or the"Night of Power," believed to be the holiest night of the year, according to BeliefNet. Shia Muslims recognize it as the 23rd night of Ramadan, while the Sunni observe it on the 27th night of the month.
Besides being the month of revelation, Ramadan bears other historical importance as well.During that month in 624, Muslims won the Battle of Badr, marking their first major victory against enemies who occupied Mecca, the city where Mohammed was born.Later, in the year 630, Mohammed led the conquest of Mecca during Ramadan, according to The New Arab. And Muslim armies won other key battles over the centuries during Ramadan.
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