Ramadan Begins In Iraq

Wednesday August 11, 2010 marks the official beginning of Ramadan for Iraq's Sunnis. The country's Shiites will join in the next day. Despite warnings by the U.S. military that insurgents may step up attacks during this period, average Iraqis are going about their business, stocking up on food to be eaten after the day of fasting. Of more importance is the fact that this summer has seen extreme heat up to 120 degrees each day and electricity shortages continue, which will make it extremely difficult to not drink water during the day as part of their religious observances.

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 Iraqis shake hands in the Umm al-Qura mosque, Baghdad August 10, 2010 after the official announcement by the Iraqi Sunni Endowment that Ramadan would start the next day

Women at the Shorja market, Baghdad shop for food before the fasting period begins during Ramadan

 

A man holds a plate of dates, which are a popular snack to break the fast after the day is over 

SOURCES

Agence France Presse, "Ramadan to start in Iraq on Wednesday: Sunnis," Khaleej Times, 8/11/10

Araff, Jane, "Iraq attacks likely to increase during Ramadan, says US," Christian Science Monitor, 8/9/10

Associated Press, "Iraqi Sunni Muslims embrace other," 8/10/10
- "Residents shop of fasting month of Ramadan," 8/9/10

Aswat al-Iraq, "Citizens rush for markets to avoid price hikes during Ramadan," 8/5/10

Inside Iraq, "First day of Ramadan," McClatchy Newspapers, 8/11/10