Observant Muslims worldwide will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts.

A special time of the year for Muslims is fast approaching. Ramadan, as it is called, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered holy, so one must prepare accordingly for its observance.

The holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, begins soon. Here's what you need to know, why Muslims fast, and what it all means.