Ramadan will begin Monday, marking the start of the holy month for Muslims, who are expected to fast and practice abstinence from dawn until sunset.

The month of fasting was officially announced in Muslim countries to begin on Monday worldwide. Ramadan is held yearly during the ninth months of the Islamic calendar after the sighting of the new moon, which occurred on Saturday evening, and lasts for 29 to 30 days until the next new moon appears.

The purpose of Ramadan is to focus on spirituality, praying more often and withholding any acts of violence during the fast. All Muslims across the world are expected to participate, with the exception of the elderly, sick and pregnant.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims are expected to refrain from food and drink and abstain from smoking and sex each day during the celebration from dawn to dusk. The breaking of the fast, or iftaar, begins at dusk by eating dates. Some Muslims have slightly different variations and have broader definitions of practices during Ramadan.

The month-long fasting marks the anniversary of the Quran being revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. Ramadan commences annually with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, comprised of feasting and prayer.

Muslims Celebrate Ramadan on Monday Amidst Arab Unrest Photos
A Palestinian vendor hangs decorations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan at a market in Jerusalem's Old City July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and conducting sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The Dome of the Rock on the compound known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif, and to Jews as Temple Mount, is seen in the back. REUTERS
Muslims Celebrate Ramadan on Monday Amidst Arab Unrest Photos
A Palestinian woman stands under decorations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan near Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and conducting sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS
Tourists stand under decorations for Ramadan in Jerusalem039s Old City
Tourists stand under decorations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan at a market in Jerusalem's Old City July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and conducting sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS
A vendor arranges limes on display as Jordanians shop in preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the downtown market area in Amman
A vendor arranges limes on display as Jordanians shop in preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the downtown market area in Amman July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS
Jordanians shop in preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the downtown market area in Amman
Jordanians shop in preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the downtown market area in Amman July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS
A man sells pickles ahead during a preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the downtown market area in Amman
A man sells pickles ahead during a preparation for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the downtown market area in Amman July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar REUTERS
Muslims attend mass prayer session quotTarawihquot, which marks the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta
Muslims attend mass prayer session "Tarawih", which marks the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, July 31, 2011. Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and conducting sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS
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