Ramadan 2017: Muslims Around The World Celebrate The Beginning Of Islamic Fasting Month [Photos]

Muslims began observing Ramadan on May 26, a sacred month of fasting that will culminate on June 24, or on “Eid al-Fitr.” The month of Ramadan is when people belonging to the Islamic faith observe a fast everyday of the month from dawn to dusk, as they believe that through this spiritual discipline they will achieve a deep contemplation of their connection with Allah or God.

During this month, people religiously engross themselves in their holy text, Quran. This is due to their belief that Prophet Muhammad had been handed down the very first verses of Quran during the month of Ramadan.

"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained,” Mohammad had reportedly said, Vox reported.

Muslims from all across the globe celebrate Ramadan in their own way. The following is a look at how the Ramadan is being celebrated in different parts of the world:

Pakistan

In Pakistan, men visit mosques in late evening to perform a special prayer of 20 Rakaa known as Taraveeh. Since women are prohibited from setting foot inside mosques, they observe the same prayer at home, travel-culture reported.

Iraq

Even though markets in Iraq are traditionally flooded with customers buying sweets and pastries to take back home to their starving family members, who would get to eat their fill after dusk, according to the Washington Post the scenario has changed quite a bit after wars and conflict tore the country apart in recent times.

Turkey

In Turkey, people put on their best garments, which are called bayramlık, and go off to meet their relatives and friends on the occasion of Ramadan. Children also enjoy watching shadow plays which are organized for entertaining them at various parts of the country, Time and Date reported.

Saudi Arabia

In the month of Ramadan, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants are closed during daytime in Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that it is not obligatory for non-Muslims to fast during this time, Al Arabiya reported.

Kuwait

People in Kuwait like to observe Ramadan the traditional way, by reading the Quran a record number of times during the holy month and spending the nights praying At-Taraaweeh, which is a vocal night prayer, Islam Web reported.

India

Unlike countries with a Muslim majority, people of the Islamic faith are spread out across the length and breadth of India, with some places like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Hyderabad catering to a larger number of Muslims than others, India reported.

Australia

While densely populated Muslim suburbs across Australia might be quiet during the day, as the night falls, various streets light up in an array of food festivals which cater to Muslims, who have been fasting throughout the day, ABC reported.

Indonesia

Annual wage bonuses are traditionally doled out before the month of Ramadan in Indonesia, which also means that shopkeepers experience a huge surge in their profits during this month, Warc reported.

Malaysia

Although tourists maybe a little apprehensive about visiting Malaysia during the month of Ramadan, they would not know what they are missing out on unless they do. This is when hotels and large restaurants have their “buka puasa” or dinner buffets, where one gets to enjoy delicious spread of Malaysian and Western food, Back Home reported.

Palestine

While Palestine traditionally celebrates Ramadan just like other Muslim countries, where families would gather together to offer prayers or just to share their iftar meals after dusk, unending conflicts particularly on the Gaza Strip have limited their celebrations in the recent years, Human Appeal reported.

Libya

Just like Palestine, Ramadan has become ridden with conflicts and bloodshed in Libya, rather than being a month fo peace and prayer, First Post reported.

Syria

Instead of being a time for being with near and dear ones, 7.6 million displaced Syrians might be forced to spend Ramadan of 2017 looking for a shelter above their heads, Islamic-Relief reported.