Ramadan began Saturday in most Arab countries

RYAD- The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan began Saturday in most Arab countries and Iran, Mecca is preparing to welcome thousands of pilgrims on this occasion despite the threat of swine flu.

•     Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, birthplace of the Sunni rite, and in Shiite Iran set from astronomical observations Saturday the start of Ramadan.
  
      This holy month, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, began the same day in Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen , Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan and the Palestinian territories.
  
      In Libya, Ramadan began on Friday, as well as the Shia of Lebanon. But for the Sunnis of Lebanon, it began Saturday.
  
      In Iraq, Shiites and Sunnis have started Ramadan together for the first time since 2003.
  
      After the invasion led by the United States and the coming to power of Shiites after 80 years of Sunni domination, the first had made a point of honour to start fasting one day earlier or later than the Sunnis .
  
      But Friday evening, a source of the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, spiritual leader of the Shiite community in Iraq, announced that Saturday would be the first day for Shiites.
  
      During this month, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan, during which the Koran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, is supposed to be a month of fasting and charity.
  
      During this month, Mecca, first holy place of Islam in Saudi Arabia, traditionally brings together hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts for the small pilgrimage of Omra.
  
      And this year, pilgrims continue to visit even if the inflow is declining due to the risk of spread of swine flu among pilgrims and the restrictions imposed by some countries.
  
      Iran has banned all travel to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan and Egypt has decided to prohibit the Omra for people aged over 65 and under 25. The representatives of Muslims in France have also advised not to perform this year Omra.
  
      
  Ennaharonline/ M. O.