Most Muslims around the world have begun observing Islam's holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and spiritual reflection.
Ramadan
began Saturday throughout most of the Middle East and Asia, although
Libya, Turkey and some Lebanese Shi'ites began fasting a day earlier.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims traditionally fast from sunrise to sunset.
In Jerusalem's Old City, Palestinians shopped for Ramadan and prayed at the Mosque of Al-Aksa, the third-holiest site in Islam.
In
Iraq, Sunnis and Shi'ites began Ramadan at the same time for the first
time since the fall of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was
ousted in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
On Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama marked the start of Ramadan by extending best wishes to Muslims.
Islam
follows a lunar calendar, so the start of the holiday is determined by
the appearance of the new moon. Religious leaders say no moon was
sighted Thursday, so Friday was designated the last day of the month
preceding Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn until sunset.
The
ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan marks the time more than
1,400 years ago when Muslims believe the words of Islam's holy book,
the Koran, were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
Ramadan will continue through September, concluding with a celebration, Eid al-Fitr.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
