Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, is expected to begin tomorrow with sighting of the halil crescent moon.
Muslims throughout the world mark the month of Ramadan with dawn to dusk fasting for complete 30 days. During the fasting, Muslims refrain from consuming food, water, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during the month is one of the Five Pillars of the religion.
The month lasts 29 to 30 days depending on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.
Let's take a look how Muslims are preparing for the devout month:
1. Ramadan in India
Indian Muslim devotees offer prayers at Jama Masjid during the start of the holy month of Ramadan
2. Ramadan in UAE
A father holds his girls as one of them looks into a telescope during a moon sighting event on top of Jebel Hafeet Mountain ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of Ramadan.
3. Ramadan in Pakistan
Preparations are in progress for the upcoming Ramadan at the 17th century Badshahi mosque in Lahore, Pakistan.
A Pakistani customer tries on a traditional cap for the upcoming Ramadan, at a shop in Peshawar, Pakistan.
4. Ramadan in Indonesia
Indonesian Muslim children carry torches during a parade marking Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation.
5. Ramadan in Lebanon
Lebanese children perform during activities celebrating the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon.
