Islamic Cities Illuminate Streets in Preparation for Ramadan
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, many cities across Islamic countries have been adorned with decorated roads, traditional lanterns, and illuminated mosques and public spaces to welcome the month. Markets and residential neighborhoods have taken on a special atmosphere, and people have enthusiastically begun their fasting.
In countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, and Indonesia, Ramadan decorations have given cities a fresh and festive look. Besides fasting, this month is considered a time to increase worship, attend to the needy, and strengthen social solidarity among residents.
In Pakistan, despite concerns over rising food prices, citizens have flocked to markets to purchase Ramadan necessities. In cities like Karachi, some residents attribute the price increases to high inflation, a factor that has affected family purchasing power.
In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians, despite limited resources, have strived to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive. Some residents create colorful lanterns for children by repurposing empty soda cans, bringing light and joy to the nights.
Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims worldwide abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset during this month; fasting begins with the pre-dawn meal, suhoor, and ends with the breaking of the fast, iftar, after sunset.
