Ramadan Arrives in Jerusalem
Friday marked the first week of Ramadan, a month-long Muslim religious observance that includes prayers for forgiveness for past sins, and day-long fasting from dawn until sunset every day.
The first Friday prayers of Ramadan in Jerusalem saw monumental attendance—approximately 90,000 Muslims filled the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Since riots have taken place in the past during this time of year, Israeli police prevented men under the age of 45 from entering the Temple Mount compound. This decision has created controversy, which adds to the existing controversy that has continually surrounded the Temple Mount, which is holy both to Jews and Muslims.
Ramadan falls out on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which does not correspond with a specific Gregorian calendar year. This year, Ramadan corresponds to the Jewish month of Elul, which is also a time of prayer for forgiveness for past sins.
Sep 09 2008 09:59 am |
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