Crowds of worshippers have gathered at a Jerusalem holy site the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, Islam's holiest month.
Israeli police said more than 135,000 worshippers prayed at al-Aqsa mosque in the sacred compound, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount.
The prayers passed peacefully at the flashpoint holy site, considered the third-holiest spot in Islam, as thousands of Israeli police patrolled the streets of the Old City. Muslims across the Middle East and some Southeast Asian countries commenced Ramadan on Monday, according to the lunar calendar. The faithful fast the entire month from dawn to dusk in fulfillment of one of the five pillars of Islam, aimed at drawing worshippers closer to God through devotion and self-discipline.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Muslims chase away masked gunman from mosque during Ramadan prayersAn armed man ran into a mosque in London and fired a blank round before Ramadan worshipers chased him out. Police said they did not consider the incident terror-related.
Read more »
Muslims face the duress of Chinese crackdown in RamadanWith mosques in the region being periodically demolished and fasting mostly banned, minorities in East Turkistan are bearing the brunt of institutionalised xenophobia.
Read more »
A look at the Muslim fasting month of RamadanMuslims around the world began fasting Monday to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan. This means waking up before dawn to eat, hydrate and pray. Once the sun rises, Muslims abstain from food and drink, including water, until sunset.
Read more »
In pictures: Muslims observe Ramadan across the globeRamadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Quran was during its last 10 nights. The Quran describes this singular evening of worship as 'better than a thousand months.'
Read more »
Ramadan: A history of the Muslim holy monthToday marks the start of Ramadan. If you're not familiar with the Muslim holy month, here's what you need to know:
Read more »
In pictures: Muslims welcome holy month of RamadanMonth of fasting began on the evening of May 5 for many Muslims, with others starting on May 6.
Read more »
Month of Ramadan fasting for many Muslims begins MondayMuslims in Southeast Asia and much of the Middle East, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, are starting the fasting month of Ramadan on Monday.
Read more »
Fasting month of Ramadan begins for many Muslims on MondayMillions more, however, in India, Pakistan, and Iran, will likely be marking the start of the lunar month on Tuesday based on moon sightings there.
Read more »
Ramadan for non-Muslims: An etiquette guideIt's Ramadan. But what if you're not a Muslim, but considerate person? Follow these 10 easy etiquette tips and earn some points with your friends who are Muslims and fasting during the daylight hours.
Read more »
Bahrain PM makes Ramadan call to Qatar Emir, a first since riftBahrain's premier phoned Qatar's Emir on Monday to mark the first day ...
Read more »