Sat. Nov 2nd, 2024
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Millions of people across South-East Asia have begun the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk and abstain from smoking and having sex in order to focus on becoming closer to God.

In the Muslim lunar calendar, months begin only when the new moon is sighted, which can lead to variations of a day or two.

Several Middle Eastern nations declared the month would begin early on Monday, but countries including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore began Ramadan on Tuesday, after failing to see the crescent moon the previous night.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh also began Ramadan on Tuesday, as did Iran and Jordan.

Worshipers pray inside a detailed mosque with green lighting
Muslims offer prayer inside a mosque on the first day of Ramadan in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir.(AP: Mukhtar Khan)

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from sunrise until sunset. 

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