MECCA : Muslim Holy Month

Across the Muslim world, the holy month of Ramadan begins this week with the appearance of the new moon. In Mecca, the month of fasting and prayer will begin Thursday. During the lunar month, Muslims are expected to abstain from food, drink, tobacco and sex during the daylight hours. At nightfall, at least in less observant countries, the faithful jam restaurants and their family dining tables for Iftar, the meal that ends the day of fasting.

Ramadan marks the revelation of the first verses of the Koran to the Prophet Mohammed. It is meant to be a period of piety, sacrifice and charity toward the poor. In conservative societies such as Saudi Arabia the demands are met.