BOB ABERNETHY: From time to time, we look at the beliefs and practices of different religions. Today, one of the most important observances for Muslims, Ramadan, which ended this week. Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which, according to Muslim doctrine, the Qur'an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. This year for most Muslims, Ramadan began on December 9. It's a period of daylong fasts, repentance, and spiritual introspection. We talked with members of the Islamic Center in Washington, DC, as they concluded their monthlong observance of Ramadan and began Id-al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.

Mr. MUHAMMAD QAISER AMIN: The fasting time starts from the dawn to dusk. Time of the sunset, you break the fast with dried grapes or some sweets or something. The Muslim people are very eager to, you know, do the fasting and -- because mandatory part of Islam, if you are not fasting, you are not a complete Muslim.

Ms. NAJLA ROBINSON: There are many benefits in the fast: spiritual benefits as well as being able to give and feel that you are giving to the needy and purifying your soul at the same time.