Muslims begin Ramadan
2007-09-12 09:10
Tripoli - Muslims in several countries begin marking the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, with fears of insecurity mixed with hopes for a tranquil and joyful holiday season.
The start of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Muslim calendar, is traditionally determined by the sighting of a new moon, often dividing rival Islamic countries and sects over the exact date.
Libya is one Muslim country that does not look to the moon. Its centre for astronomical studies announced on Tuesday that it had fixed the start of Ramadan for Wednesday, based on astronomical calculations.
Countries such as Egypt which determine the holy month in the traditional way will begin Ramadan on Thursday. Sheikh Ali Gomaa, the Mufti or official interpreter of Islamic law, announced the September 13 date in a live television address.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, declared Thursday to be the first day of Ramadan, in an announcement from the kingdom's royal court.
Other Middle East states including Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will also begin Ramadan on Thursday.
During the holy month, Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sex from dawn until dusk as life slips into a lower gear during the day, and activity peaks between "iftar", the breaking of the fast at sunset, and "suhur", the last meal of the day before sunrise.
In Iraq a top security official announced this week that the nightly curfew in Baghdad and a vehicle curfew will be eased during Ramadan.
War-weary residents stocking up
Baghdad's 400-year-old Shorja market has been bustling with activity with war-weary residents stocking up on spices, sugar, tea and nuts - these days imported from neighbouring Syria.
The US military, which has deployed thousands of troops in the capital, said levels of pre-Ramadan violence are lower this year, and expects the trend to continue.
Residents of the Gaza Strip spending their first Ramadan under Hamas, which seized control of the tiny territory in June, are bracing for clashes after Fatah and other Palestinian groups called for sunset street prayers in defiance of a Hamas ban.
But the weary inhabitants were just hoping for a few weeks of peace and calm with their families during Ramadan after months of deadly partisan violence.
"The prayers and religious practices should not be transformed into manifestations of violence and hate," said one resident, Nabil al-Ali.
"Everyone must respect the month of Ramadan," he said. "We just want a little serenity and calm to bring us closer to God."
Saudi Arabia, home of Islam's holiest shrines, is this year preparing to receive around one million pilgrims expected to perform "umrah", or a smaller pilgrimage, to Mecca.
As generosity peaks during this month of charity, Kuwait is monitoring fund-raising activities by Islamic charities and has banned any cash donations to make sure that charity money does not reach extremist organisations.
Shi'ite Iran, which is due to begin fasting on Thursday, continues to ban restaurants from operating during the day during Ramadan.
In south Asia, Kashmiri politicians have called on New Delhi to declare a ceasefire in the revolt-hit state for the holy month of Ramadan, and said they hoped militants would match the move.
In Asia, Thailand's Muslim-majority south, where security forces seek to contain a bloody separatist insurgency, will start Ramadan on Wednesday and the army has announced the suspension of a night curfew.