Ramadan Across the Globe

Issue 100

As we reach the middle of Ramadan, Muslims from around the world are inspired to devote their time to spiritual reflection. emel journeys to lands near and far to uncover the true meaning of Ramadan.

Photography AP

ABOVE
Mohammed Fanas, 61, a dawn awakener or Al Musaharati, holds his lantern and beats on his drum to wake up Muslims for a meal before sunrise, as he walks through old streets at the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon. Al Musaharati is one of the oldest traditions found in Ramadan, and they will usually know all the local residents by name, stopping outside each of their houses to wake them up. This old profession is on its way to extinction as people nowadays use the alarm clock.

Iran’s army air force cadets perform Friday prayers in the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran. Tehran’s official Friday prayers are held at the University of Tehran’s campus, with thousands in attendance, including prominent politicians. 

A group of young Bangladeshi Muslims sit together as they wait to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Communal meals become popular during the month of Ramadan, as people become more conscious of those that live around them, as well as those who are less fortunate.

Palestinian women cross an Israeli checkpoint on their way from the West Bank town of Bethlehem to attend prayers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, on the second Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. Israel controls all movement in and out of the Palestinian territory, and there are over 60 permanently manned checkpoints in the West Bank. The wait at the Israeli checkpoints can take anything from one hour to several hours.

To see more incredible images from Ramadan Across the Globe, plus exclusive videos and interactive content, get your digital copy of the Ramadan Issue now at http://digital.emel.com