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Holy month of Ramadan underway

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Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.

Muslims around the world gathered with friends and family to break their fast and continue with the traditions of the holy month of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking during the daylight hours, breaking the fast with a festive meal after sundown.

Muslims see the fast of Ramadan as a means to intensify worship and contemplation as well as strengthening ties within the family and community.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and starts when the new moon is sighted.

In Jerusalem's Old City, the end of the day's fasting was marked by tradition cannon fire, set off by actor and puppeteer, Rajai Yehye Sandouka, accompanied by Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barkat.

Sandouka is the latest in a long line of family members, dating back to Ottoman rule in the early 20th century, who have fired the traditional cannon.

Sandouka said the tradition was threatened several years ago when Israeli officials ordered him to undergo explosives training before the next Ramadan, or he would be barred from lighting the fuse.

Muslims in Gaza gathered for Taraweeh on Sunday, special evening prayers held during Ramadan.

Children in Gaza celebrated the end of the fasting day by cheering and setting off fireworks in the street.

People were seen gathering in Rawalpindi, Pakistan to wait for the moment of when they could break their fast.

Meanwhile, Muslims in Baghdad gathered with friends and family on Sunday despite worries of an apparent escalation in violence in Iraq.

Many residents of the Iraqi capital were out shopping for fruit, vegetables and sweets at markets, even though some said they had noticed a hike in prices this year.

This year, Ramadan started in August for the first time in 33 years - meaning a long, hot day for those fasting.

APTN

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