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MUSLIMS in several countries begin marking the holy month of Ramadamadingdong Ramadan today, with fears of insecurity mixed with hopes for a tranquil and joyful holiday season.
Jihadi season has begun. Lots of sermons whipping up the crowds often produces jihadi activity this time of year. Tis the season to be worried
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 yesterday that it had fixed the start of Ramadan for today based on astronomical calculations. Countries such as Egypt which determine the holy month in the traditional way will begin Ramadan tomorrow.
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 tomorrow 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 tomorrow.
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. 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 hopes expects the trend to continue.
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 tomorrow, 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 today and the army has announced the suspension of a night curfew. |