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Muslim Holy Month, Ramadan, Begins

   VOA News 11 August 2010

   Muslims  around  the world are observing the holy month of [1]Ramadan,
   while  sweltering  heat  in the Middle East is putting extra strain on
   those who are fasting.
   [2]Ramadan  started earlier than usual this year, though there is some
   disagreement between the two main sects of Islam on the exact starting
   date.
   Sunni  Muslims  began  fasting  at  dawn Wednesday, while Shi'ites are
   expected  to  start  Thursday.   The  discrepancy is due to differing
   interpretations of the lunar calendar.
   High  heat  across  much  of  the  Arab  world has raised concerns for
   families, particularly in places like Baghdad and the Gaza Strip where
   electricity is routinely cut off for hours at a time.
   To  ease concerns for those who have to work during the day, religious
   leaders  in the United Arab Emirates issued an edict allowing laborers
   to break their fast early if the heat becomes unbearable.
   During  the  month  of  [3]Ramadan,  observers  refrain  from  eating,
   drinking and sex between daybreak and sunset.
   The  month of [4]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.
   Muslims  celebrate  the  month  with  family visits and invitations to
   iftars, shared meals that break the fast.
   [5]Ramadan  will  conclude  in  September with a three-day celebration
   called Eid al-Fitr.

References

   1. http://www.myvoa.com/2009/08/why-muslims-fast-ramadan/comment-page-1/
   2. http://www.myvoa.com/2009/08/why-muslims-fast-ramadan/comment-page-1/
   3. http://www.myvoa.com/2009/08/why-muslims-fast-ramadan/comment-page-1/
   4. http://www.myvoa.com/2009/08/why-muslims-fast-ramadan/comment-page-1/
   5. http://www.myvoa.com/2009/08/why-muslims-fast-ramadan/comment-page-1/

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