Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries

Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries
(AFP)

RIYADH ? Islam's fasting month of Ramadan begins on Saturday in most of the Arab world and Iran, but swine flu has cast a cloud over pilgrimages to Mecca and might also dampen enthusiasm for the popular evening get-togethers to break the fast.
Because Islam follows a lunar calendar, this holiest of months begins each year about 11 days earlier, its commencement traditionally determined by the appearance of the new moon.
After the crescent failed to be spotted on Thursday night, the first possible sighting, it is expected on Friday, with fasting to begin at daybreak on Saturday.
This will apply in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
However, all Libyans as well Shiite Muslims in Lebanon, who determine the lunar month according to astronomical calculations, begun their fasting on Friday, clerics said.
In Mecca, the Saudi birthplace of Islam, pilgrim arrivals surged this week ahead of Ramadan, but the numbers were well below usual.
Egypt, Iran and Iraq are among countries that have placed restrictions on those permitted to undertake the minor pilgrimage, or umrah, during Ramadan because of swine flu.
Normally several hundred thousand people perform the umrah, a shortened version of the major hajj pilgrimage that takes place this year in November.
The umrah is popular because the faithful can arrive at any time and do not need the permits that are assigned to countries by quota for the hajj, which is required of Muslims once in their lifetime if they have the means.
However, with flu cases rising, and with the disease having touched nearly all the region, warnings from governments and the World Health Organisation have heightened fears of being in crowded places.
After the region's first death in July, health ministers and WHO officials met in Cairo and recommended discouraging or banning people over 65, pregnant women and children under 12 from joining either the umrah or the hajj.
Saudi Arabia did not apply mandatory controls but has urged countries to voluntarily implement restrictions.
The impact of the pandemic on Ramadan iftar dinners when people sometimes invite hundreds to break the fast together in homes, tents or hotel ballrooms just after sunset has yet to be seen.
But Kuwait's health minister has already advised people to stop shaking hands and kissing each other at such gatherings to stem the spread of the disease.
While fasting and iftar are the most well-known elements of Ramadan in the popular mind, this ninth month of the Muslim calendar is meant to be a deeply prayerful. It includes the day on which Muslim's believe God gave the Koran, their holy book, to Mohammed.
Similar to the Christian season of Lent, Ramadan is a time for greater reflection and more frequent worship, with the faithful focusing on purifying not only their bodies but their souls.
Sexual relations are banned during hours of fasting, and Muslims are enjoined to concentrate on self-discipline, sacrifice and charity toward those who are less fortunate.
Many pious Muslims will endeavour to read the entire Koran, or attend the nightly readings at a mosque that accomplish the same end.
Ramadan ends with the holiday known as Eid al-Fitr. On this Festival of Breaking the Fast, communal prayers are held early in the morning. Then people wearing their finest clothes, often bought for the occasion, begin feasting, visiting relatives and friends, giving gifts to children and donating food to the poor