For Umar Hussain, a University of Missouri student and Jefferson City resident, this is one of his favorite times of the year. It's a time to slow down and reflect on his life, while strengthening his relationship with God.
For Hussain and other followers of Islam, Ramadan started with the new moon earlier this week (most started the observance on Tuesday). The month of praying and fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
During Ramadan, Hussain often starts his morning before dawn, eating a meal - called Suhoor - with his family. The remainder of the day, from dawn to dusk, he refrains from eating or drinking anything.
"The first couple days are usually a little rough just getting used to the new routine," he said. "But after awhile, you just get used to it.
"The most difficult part for me is not having my morning coffee" after the sun rises, he said.
After the sun sets, he partakes in an evening meal, known as Iftar. The idea is to eat the morning and evening meals with family or with the community.
On the weekends during Ramadan, the Jefferson City Muslim community holds community prayer times throughout the day, and evening meals and prayers at the mosque at 5123 Moreau Ridge Road.
A Muslim religious leader from Kansas City is in Jefferson City throughout Ramadan to lead the prayers at the mosque.
The potluck meals can feature cuisine from the different native countries of the people who sometimes attend. Attendees have had roots in countries such as Pakistan, India and other Middle Eastern countries, as well as those in Africa.
Between 40 and 60 people typically attend these, Hussain said.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims donate a small amount of money to those in their community who are in need. "It's kind of to relay that we're all human, we all make mistakes and to make up for any shortcomings that we have had during the month," he said. "It's just a few dollars per person."