Gallery: Ramadan around the world

Besides fasting, Muslims are expected to strengthen their character through self-restraint, charity, introspection during the holy month.

By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFF

AUGUST 2, 2011 12:54

Ramadan 311 R (photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson) — Ramadan 311 R

(photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, began on August 1.

Ramadan 465 R 1 — Ramadan 465 R 1 (photo credit: REUTERS/Mohsin Raza )

Ramadan 465 R 2 — Ramadan 465 R 2 (photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

Ramadan 465 R 3 — Ramadan 465 R 3 (photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

Ramadan 465 R 4 — Ramadan 465 R 4 (photo credit: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

Ramadan 465 R 5 — Ramadan 465 R 5 (photo credit: REUTERS/Darren Whiteside )

Ramadan 465 R 7 — Ramadan 465 R 7 (photo credit: REUTERS/Jumana El Heloueh )

Ramadan 465 R 9 — Ramadan 465 R 9 (photo credit: REUTERS/ Fahad Shadeed )

Ramadan 465 R 8 — Ramadan 465 R 8 (photo credit: REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde )

Ramadan 465 R 6 — Ramadan 465 R 6 (photo credit: REUTERS/Osman Orsal )

Ramadan 465 R 10 — Ramadan 465 R 10 (photo credit: REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi)

Ramadan 465 R 11 — Ramadan 465 R 11 (photo credit: REUTERS/Vincent Kessler)

Ramadan 465 R 1 — Ramadan 465 R 1 (photo credit: REUTERS/Vincent Kessler)

The start of Ramadan varies in different countries, depending on the sighting of the new moon.RELATED:Ramadan in Israel Arab Spring on (of off) your Ramadan TV screen

Muslims traditionally refrain from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse during daylight hours but have lavish feasts after dark throughout the entire month. As well as fasting, Muslims are expected to strengthen their character through self-restraint, charitable-giving and introspection during the holy month.