Special Report
Last modification: 08/09/10
Ramadan: Islam's holy month of fasting and feasting
Some 1.6 billion Muslims are set to observe Ramadan from August 11 to September 10. FRANCE 24 takes a look at this important religious event and how it is observed in the West and across the Muslim world.
 
Eid al-Fitr holiday to mark end of Ramadan on Friday
ISLAM

Eid al-Fitr holiday to mark end of Ramadan on Friday

French Muslims will join co-religionists in Saudi Arabia and Egypt in celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Friday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid, which depends on the sighting of the new moon, can be observed on different days.
Ramadan with the French army
DJIBOUTI

Ramadan with the French army

Muslims around the world are currently celebrating Ramadan. For some, this month of fasting is easier than for others. Approximately 20% of the French army has Muslim origins. We look at how these soldiers uphold their traditions in some of the most difficult conditions.
Halal food: inside an industry
REPORTERS

Halal food: inside an industry

With 5 million potential consumers, demand for halal food in France is soaring. Industry and supermarket chains are taking notice. But there's no regulatory body ensuring compliance with religious law. France 24 takes a closer look at this burgeoning market, where profit often supersedes religious concerns.
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In flood-wrecked Pakistan, fasting is no longer a choice
PAKISTAN

In flood-wrecked Pakistan, fasting is no longer a choice

As Ramadan begins, Muslims around the world stock up on food to take them through the month-long fast. But in flood-wrecked Pakistan, torrential rains have devastated crops and basic foodstuffs have become luxury items.
'Maradona of Asia' sacked for breaking fast during Ramadan
IRAN

'Maradona of Asia' sacked for breaking fast during Ramadan

Tehran football club Steel Azin FC said Sunday it had fired one of its star players, Ali Karimi, for not fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and for insulting Iranian football federation officials.
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Halal or not halal?

Muslims mark holy month of Ramadan
RELIGION

Muslims mark holy month of Ramadan

Piety, alms-giving and fasting mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims worldwide, as nearly a billion and a half people commemorate the divine revelation received by the Prophet Mohammed.
In the run-up to Ramadan, halal advertising reaches fever pitch
FRANCE

In the run-up to Ramadan, halal advertising reaches fever pitch

France’s huge Muslim population is big business for the producers of halal meats and the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan is attracting innovative and aggressive marketing.
World's largest clock to be tested during Ramadan in Mecca
SAUDI ARABIA

World's largest clock to be tested during Ramadan in Mecca

Saudi Arabia's Binladen Group is building the world's largest clock on what will be the world's second-highest skyscraper, overlooking Mecca's Grand Mosque, and will test it during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, news reports said on Tuesday.
UAE

Workers can break Ramadan fast in extreme heat, fatwa says

Tourism board to attract Ramadan visitors with "lantern festival"
EGYPT

Tourism board to attract Ramadan visitors with "lantern festival"

In an effort to avert a drop-off in tourism during the month of Ramadan, Egypt is launching the "Fawanees Ramadan Festival," an event organised around colourful lanterns that are traditionally hung across the country for the holiday.
External Links
Great Mosque of Paris official website
Prayer Timetable - Paris
SPECIAL REPORTS
Halal food: inside an industry
REPORTERS
Halal food: inside an industry
Ramadan: the price of fasting
THE WEEK IN MAGHREB
Ramadan: the price of fasting
FRANCE 24
Speed dating and Ramadan
FRANCE
Ramadan from A to Z
LEBANON
The business of Ramadan
Pakistan
Keeping the fast amid the floods
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