Gordon Clay here. What will a billion people start doing this Saturday? Fasting. From dawn to dusk. for the next four weeks. That's right - no eating, no drinking, no sex, no fighting, no backbiting, no lying, no anger, no arrogance, no pride, and no despair

But that's not all. The most devout will start their day by eating before dawn, praying at dawn, noon, afternoon, and sunset, then eat again and spend two to three hours of the evening standing in prayer. Every day. They will be asking for forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

This is a time to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightment, establishing a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. They are mandated to gifting to the less fortunate 2.5 percent of their wealth during the year and much of this happens during this period. That's 2.5 percent of their wealth, not their income.

Some people feel that they have fulfilled their spiritual duty to their religion by attending their house of workshop at least once a year. Other's once a week. And pray now and then.

What about praying a minimum of 1,825 times a year - at five specific times every day of every week, of every month, of every year for a lifetime? What devotion! Welcome to the Muslim celebration of Ramadan.