The Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan, has begun in much of the Islamic world after the sighting of the new moon.

The announcement was made in Cairo by one of Islam's highest religious authorities, the grand mufti of Egypt, Sheikh Nasr Farid.

Similar declarations were also made by Muslim clerics in many other countries.

However, some countries, like Iraq, Oman and Tunisia, will start fasting on Wednesday.

During Ramadan, Muslims are meant to abstain from eating and drinking as well as from sexual relations during daylight hours as an act of sacrifice and religious purification.

The fast is broken each day at sunset by a meal known as "iftar".

During Ramadan, Muslims are also urged to give charity to the poor.
 

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