Ramadan is a month of practicing self-discipline and righteousness. It is a month of blessings where Muslims increase their faith and piety through fasting, avoiding sins and following Allah's commands. Fasting helps develop taqwa or God-consciousness and shields people from committing sins. During Ramadan, the doors of heaven are opened and the doors of hell are closed. It is a month to purify oneself both internally through controlling desires and externally through what enters the body.