Last modification: 20/09/09
 -  France - Islam - Ramadan - religion
 
Observing Ramadan in France
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The roughly six million Muslims who live in France are observing Ramadan from August 21 to September 22. FRANCE 24 takes a look at a religious rite that is as sacred and personal as it is familiar and pervasive.
The Muslim holiday of Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five duties, or “pillars”, of the Muslim faith. The other duties are the profession of faith, prayers, alms giving and pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. From sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual relations. The goal of this practice is said to be the purification of the mind and body, control of one’s passions and desires and avoiding all activity that could harm others. FRANCE 24 examines the habits and rituals of a centuries-old religious event that has persisted in and been adapted to a secular country – France.

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