AMN / NEW DELHI

The Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan has begun. The Central Moon Sighting Committee announced that the first fast will be observed Tuesday.

Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers, fasting, giving to charity and religious devotion.

Fasting not only entails the elimination of food during the hours of sunlight, but also drinking (all beverages, including water), smoking, sex and “impure thoughts”, which can include violence, sexual thoughts and curse words.