Purim falls unusually late this March because it is a leap year on the Hebrew calendar, meaning there is an extra month. Jews celebrate the ancient holiday by reading the Book of Esther, which tells the story of the Jewish victory over an enemy who called for their elimination more than 2,000 years ago. Observers … Read more
France’s governing body for soccer, the French Football Federation (FFF), has sparked fresh controversy over a reported policy that apparently prohibits Muslim athletes from fasting while at the national team’s training camp during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in the name of maintaining strict secularism, or the French legal principle of laïcité, which has … Read more
The war in Gaza has cast a pall over the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and reflection, charity and community. For Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the occasion is always bittersweet — marked by moments of joy and constant reminders of the Israeli occupation that shapes their lives. … Read more
The holy month of Ramadan started early for Muslims in Gaza this year. In some sense, we’ve been fasting since October. But for tragic reasons. Ramadan has a special place in every Muslim’s heart. We wait for it all year. As a small child, I remember my excitement at hanging colorful lanterns on the house. … Read more
JERUSALEM — For Mahasen Khateeb, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan used to be a time of lavish dinners, family gatherings, communal prayers and gift giving. “All of that is gone,” the 31-year-old graphic designer said by phone from Jabalya, in northern Gaza, which humanitarian groups warn is on the brink of famine after months … Read more
JAKARTA, Indonesia — The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, began at sunrise Tuesday in much of Asia, a day after many Muslims in the Middle East began their fasts. In the Muslim lunar calendar, months begin only when the new moon is sighted, which can lead to … Read more
With no end to fighting sight, Palestinians in Gaza began fasting Monday for the holy month of Ramadan as hunger worsens across the strip and pressure grows on Israel over the growing humanitarian crisis. The United States, Qatar and Egypt had hoped to broker a cease-fire ahead of the normally joyous month of dawn-to-dusk fasting … Read more
ISTANBUL — In the heart of Istanbul, on top of the towering minarets that dot the city’s skyline, 68-year-old Kahraman Yildiz toils away at a craft that has illuminated the Muslim holy month of Ramadan for generations. Yildiz, a master of Mahya, the unique Turkish tradition of stringing religious messages and designs between minarets, is … Read more
As the holiest month of the year for Muslims, Ramadan—which begins on the evening of March 10 in 2024—is a time of spirituality, self-discipline, and compassion. For many who observe, that focus on compassion also translates into an increased focus on social justice and activism. “If Ramadan isn’t a month of activism, I don’t know … Read more
CIA Director William J. Burns is in Doha for meetings with negotiators trying to push foundering Gaza cease-fire and hostage release talks over the finish line before Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, begins Monday. Israel and the United States have both blamed Hamas for failing to agree to a proposal that would free … Read more