ABSTRACT
The fourth pillar of Islam is the fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Throughout this month, Muslims are under obligation to abstain from food, drink and sexual relations every day between dawn and sunset. Some Muslims also fast voluntarily on Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram. Additional voluntary fasts may be undertaken on other days as well. Moreover, as we shall see below, the Quran prescribes fasting as a means of expiation for various sins.
