The holy month of Ramadan – the ninth month in the Islamic calendar – began on April 2 in places across the Middle-East and, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, while others such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Indonesia will mark the start of the month a day later. The start of Ramadan depends on a moon-sighting methodology that varies slight across countries. The month is marked by obligatory fasting from dusk to dawn, and is a month dedicated to prayer, reflection, and community. This year, however, the Middle-East kicked off the holy month amid soaring energy and food prices caused by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which cast a pall over celebrations.

People buy roasted chestnuts next to Taksim mosque as the sun sets during the first day of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, April 2, 2022.
A man swings fireworks during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Gaza City, Saturday, April 2, 2022.
Muslims gather for a free public Iftar meal during the first day of Ramadan at sheikh Abdul qader Gilani mosque in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, April 2, 2022.
Wilayah Mosque are light up with the background of city skylines on the eve of the Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, April 2, 2022.
A little girl looks on during an evening prayer on the eve of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, Saturday, April 2, 2022.