Gallery: Ramadan around the world

Besides fasting, Muslims are expected to strengthen their character through self-restraint, charity, introspection during the holy month.

By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFF
Ramadan 311 R (photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)
Ramadan 311 R
(photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)
Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, began on August 1.

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Muslims traditionally refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse during daylight hours but have lavish feasts after dark throughout the entire month. As well as fasting, Muslims are expected to strengthen their character through self-restraint, charitable-giving and introspection during the holy month.