Ramadan Begins Across the Globe with Prayers and Preparations
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan commenced this week, ushering in a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for millions of adherents worldwide. Beginning at sunrise in the Middle East and a day later in many parts of Asia, the start date varies due to the lunar calendar, which relies on the sighting of the new moon, leading to differences of up to a day or two between regions.
Diverse Observances from Jakarta to Damascus
In Jakarta, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque of Istiqlal for tarawih prayers on the first night of Ramadan, as captured in a photograph by Willy Kurniawan for Reuters. Similarly, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Muslims performed evening prayers at the National Mosque to mark the occasion, highlighting the widespread participation in this sacred tradition.
Preparations for Ramadan were evident in cities like Peshawar, Pakistan, where workers cleaned the Sunehri Masjid, and in Beirut, Lebanon, where artisans painted decorations in anticipation of the holy month. In Damascus, Syria, a person in traditional attire offered drinks to passersby in a decorated market street, showcasing the community spirit that defines Ramadan.
Cultural and Religious Practices in Focus
The determination of Ramadan's start involves meticulous observation of the crescent moon. In Surabaya, Indonesia, Muslims used rubu instruments for Rukyatul Hilal at Al-Mabrur mosque, while in Najaf, Iraq, Shiites observed the moon to confirm the beginning of the fast. A crescent moon shone over Sana'a, Yemen, symbolizing the commencement of this spiritual journey.
Despite challenges, such as in Gaza where Palestinians broke their fast amid destruction, the resilience of communities was palpable. In Kabul, devotees waited for iftar meals at the Wazir Khan mosque, emphasizing the importance of charity and communal support during Ramadan.
Global Celebrations and Modern Touches
From a drone light show at Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, Egypt, to moon and star-shaped illuminations in Sarajevo's historic Baščaršija bazaar, celebrations blended tradition with innovation. In Utrecht, the Netherlands, Turkish Muslims began Ramadan with prayers, illustrating the global reach of Islam.
As families gathered, like in Lahore, Pakistan, where a boy watched prayers at the shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, the essence of Ramadan as a time for family, faith, and renewal was vividly portrayed across continents.
