Millions of Muslims will begin Ramadan across the globe on Monday, dedicating themselves to long hours of fasting, prayer and charitable deeds.
Religious authorities across several Middle Eastern countries sighted the new moon on Sunday evening, ushering in the month-long observance, according to Al Jazeera.
Muslims in Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim nation — will begin fasting on Monday, along with their coreligionists in Singapore Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan, among others.
Islamic teachings say Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 14 centuries ago.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Taylor Swift Is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
- Meet the Nation Builders
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
