Images of Ramadan 2015

40 Photos

In Focus

The Muslim Eid al-Fitr festival, marking the end of the month of Ramadan, takes place this weekend in parts of the world where sightings of the new moon are made. During Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, devout Muslims must abstain from food, drink, and sex from dawn until sunset. The fast, one of the five pillars of Islam, is seen as a time for spiritual reflection, prayers, and charity. After sunset, Muslims traditionally break the fast by eating three dates, performing the Maghrib prayer, and sitting down to Iftar, the main evening meal, where communities and families gather together. Gathered here are images of Muslims around the world observing Ramadan this year.