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The holy month of fasting begins

Last updated on: August 13, 2010 13:59 IST


Photographs: Athar Hussain/Reuters

A child lines up food in preparation for the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramzan.

Muslims across the world are observing Ramzan, a time for fasting and spiritual purity during which they refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. Most Muslims will fast for 29 or 30 days to commemorate the 30 days Prophet Mohammed spent on Mount Hira while the Quran was being revealed to him.

Share your special photographs of the holy month of Ramzan with us. Mail your photographs to citizen.reporter@rediffmail.com and we will publish the best images right here on rediff.com.

The holy month of fasting begins


Photographs: Hassan Ali/Reuters

Muslim pilgrims pray inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is Islam's most sacred month during which devotees observe a dawn-to-dusk fast. They also attend the evening taraweeh or congregation, during which the Quran is recited.

Share your special photographs of the holy month of Ramzan with us. Mail your photographs to citizen.reporter@rediffmail.com and we will publish the best images right here on rediff.com.

The holy month of fasting begins


Photographs: Snaps India

Devotees break their fast at Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.

The act of fasting is said to re-direct the heart away from worldly activities. Its purpose is to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. After a tough day of fasting, the evening is a celebration with delicious food and sweets being served.

Share your special photographs of the holy month of Ramzan with us. Mail your photographs to citizen.reporter@rediffmail.com and we will publish the best images right here on rediff.com.

The holy month of fasting begins


Photographs: Asmaa Waguih/Reuters

Devotees break their fast after a day of fasting.

Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting period and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

Share your special photographs of the holy month of Ramzan with us. Mail your photographs to citizen.reporter@rediffmail.com and we will publish the best images right here on rediff.com.

The holy month of fasting begins


Photographs: Snaps India

Food is donated to the poor and everyone puts on their best, preferably new, clothes. Communal prayers are held early in the morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.

Share your special photographs of the holy month of Ramzan with us. Mail your photographs to citizen.reporter@rediffmail.com and we will publish the best images right here on rediff.com.