Ramadan has begun! by Barbora Misakova

Ramadan – just one word but it refers to as much self-denial as probably any other word. Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, but it is quite different from the Christian way of fasting. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, but also sexual activities from dawn until sunset and they do it for the sake of God. They should also pray more than usual and so ask forgiveness for their past sins. The regular period when Muslims are praying for guidance and help of God and are trying to purify themselves through self-restraint has already begun. The supreme judicial council, which is in charge of confirming the sighting of the new moon, announced that Ramadan would start! on Wednesday. Many news agencies and channels (for instance in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Egypt) informed that Wednesday is the first day of the fasting month. Jordan, where the new moon could not be sighted, determined that Ramadan starts Wednesday in the country anyway. On the contrary, the Ramadan will start on Thursday in Oman, official news agency ONA informed. Muslims heading to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca will have also opportunity to see the world’s largest clock which was built by Binladen Group. The clock, that is the part of a massive skyscraper which will be around 2,000 feet tall, will be tested during the Ramadan. A three-month test run for the clock will start on the first week of this holy Islamic month, the official news agency reported Tuesday. I cannot help myself, but for me this snobbish showing off is simply inappropriate for the time of self-restraint, so typical for Islamic Ramadan.

related stor! y (sgx17964): http://www.france24.com/en/20100810-holy-month-ramadan-begin...

by Barbora Misakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

Cantell TV is the fastest growing provider of digital broadcasting coupled with telecommunications, allowing people to easily control, view, upload and share digital content through proprietary interface coupled with free phone calls. Cantell TV is committed to delivering infinite choices to your world of entertainment at the tip of your fingers.