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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

World Muslims are gearing up to welcome the holy month of Ramadan which will begin on Tuesday. Fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will start on Tuesday in many countries, as the holy month comes amid restrictions for the second year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt and Tunisia announced on Sunday night that the new moon was not spotted and therefore Monday marks the last day of the Islamic month of Shaaban.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Other countries are expected to confirm the start of Ramadan later on Monday.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

During Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn to sunset.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Muslims usually celebrate by large social and religious gatherings, such as special evening prayers, where mosques are traditionally packed.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

However, many restrictions due to the coronavirus will limit some practices for the second year.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Charity banquets have been banned in several countries.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will allow Ramadan's evening "taraweeh" prayers, but limited them to half an hour.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

In Jordan and Tunisia, worshippers will not perform taraweeh at mosques due to a night-time curfew.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

A similar curfew has been imposed in Iraq for weeks and is expected to be renewed, especially after the country's daily infection rate surged last week, almost hitting 8,000 on Friday. While the state closed Sunni mosques since last year, Shiite mosques have been open in the country.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

In Singapore, where about 15 per cent of the 5.7 million inhabitants are Muslim, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wished Muslims "a peaceful and happy Ramadan."

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

With the coronavirus pandemic appearing largely under control in the city-state, most worshippers will be permitted to perform congregational prayers in mosques, though migrant workers will be restricted to praying in their residences.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Singapore hosts over 1 million foreign workers, including tens of thousands from Muslim-majority neighbours such as Bangladesh and Indonesia.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

Most of Singapore's roughly 60,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were reported among mostly young and low-wage migrants crammed into purpose-built dormitories.

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Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts Tuesday in many countries

The World Health Organization had warned of a possible surge in coronavirus infections during the month of Ramadan.