RAMADAN: AREA MUSLIMS BEGIN MONTHLONG PERIOD OF FASTING, PRAYER

When Muslim religious leaders see the crescent moon in the skies over Southeast Missouri, the Ramadan observance begins.

The official start of the holiday began at sundown Friday in many Mideast nations.

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims, the Islamic followers of the sixth-century prophet Muhammad.

The holiday memorializes the revelation of the Koran to Muhammad. It takes place in the ninth month of the Muslim year, which is based on a lunar calendar.

During the 30-day period, devout Muslims pray and fast from sunrise to sunset. Before sunrise, they are allowed a meal called sahoor. Throughout the day they are required to pray at specific times, but no food is eaten.

Also during Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from sexual intercourse.

The fasting ends at sunset each day with a traditional meal of dates and water called iftar.

Muslims begin fasting at age 12, but provisions are made for pregnant women and children. However, any day that is missed should be make up later.

Observing Ramadan is thought to bring Muslim believers closer to God. It teaches humility and discipline.

Fasting is an act of obedience in the Muslim religion. It is one of five duties for believers. The others: professing the unity of God and the existence of the prophet Muhammad, praying five times daily, giving to charity and making at least one pilgrimage to Mecca, as required by the Koran.

Ramadan's end is marked by a feast called Eid al-Fitr. It is often observed as a three-day festival, and children receive gifts.

MUSLIM PRAYERS

Muslim believers pray five times daily, according to religious instruction. The prayers are:

FAJR -- This is the first prayer of the day and begins at dawn. During Ramadan, a meal is usually eaten before this prayer.

ZUHR -- This prayer begins about 10 minutes after you can see the shadow of the sun overhead, which is close to noon.

ASR -- This prayer begins when you see the double-size shadow of the sun, usually in early afternoon.

MAGHRIB -- This is the prayer after sunset.

ISHA -- This is the last prayer of the day and begins after dark.

IFTAR -- This is celebrated whenever a Muslim breaks a fast. The fast is commonly broken with dates but water can also be used.

THE SYMBOLS OF ISLAM is a crescent and star. The symbol appears on the flags of several nations whose populations have a Muslim majority including Pakistan and Turkey.