Ramadan and Fasting

Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Angel Gabriel, who later revealed it to the Prophet Muhammad. It is the Islamic month of fasting (sawm), in which participating Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset.

The name "Ramadan" is the name of the ninth month; the word itself derived from an Arabic word *rmd as in "ramida" or "ar-ramad" denoting intense heat, scorched ground, and shortness of rations. It is considered the most venerated and blessed month of the Islamic year. Prayers, sawm (fasting), charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time; religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month.

Why do Muslims fast?

1. To obey Allah's injunction
2. To practice the tradition, and way of the pious people
3. To learn how to attain piety
4. To reap the full reward of the Night of Power (Lailat-ut Qadr)
5. To show to Muslims how to get their past sins forgiven
6. To show that Fasting is the epitome of the five pillars of Islam

Every day during the month of Ramadan Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and perform the fajr prayer. They do not eat or drink anything after this prayer is said, until the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset), is due. Muslims may continue to eat and drink after the sun has set, until the next morning's fajr prayer.

Source: Wiki, Why Do Muslims Fast?