Holy month of Ramadan

MUSLIMS around the globe are observing Ramadan, a month of fasting and religious devotion, considered the holiest month in the Islamic year. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with prayer, tithe (zakat), proclamation of syahadah (article of faith) and performing the haj.

All adult Muslims are required to fast, except pregnant women, nursing mothers, menstruating women, the sick, and the elderly.

Muslims wake up in the wee hours of the morning to partake in sahur (the predawn meal) and break their fast after sunset.

For non-Muslims, Ramadan is a month of abundant food bazaars that offer a variety of dishes — most of which are only available during the fasting month.

Locals with food bought from the famous Ramadan bazaar in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

Locals making a beeline for bubur lambuk, a creamy rice porridge made of meat morsels, coconut milk, spices and other flavourful condiments, being distributed for free by Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. Kampung Baru’s bubur lambuk is touted to be the best in the country, prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations.

Muslim women performing tarawih prayers at a mosque in Putrajaya.

An officer of the Islamic authority uses a telescope to perform rukyah, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan in Putrajaya.

Muslims recite the Al-Quran during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur.