InfoAnda - Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Mexico passes law to combat cartel money laundering | | 12 October 2012
Iran opposition leaders to attend anti-Israel rally | 17 September 2009
Photo find provides glimpses of India's freedom fight | 9 September 2010

Just For Laughs fest books Cheech & Chong | 30 March 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Search Search: Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries AFP - Saturday, August 22 RIYADH (AFP) - - Islam's fasting month of Ramadan begins on Saturday in most of the Arab world and Iran, but swine flu has cast a cloud over pilgrimages to Mecca and might also dampen enthusiasm for the popular evening get-togethers to break the fast. ADVERTISEMENT Because Islam follows a lunar calendar, this holiest of months begins each year about 11 days earlier, its commencement traditionally determined by the appearance of the new moon. After the crescent failed to be spotted on Thursday night, the first possible sighting, it is expected on Friday, with fasting to begin at daybreak on Saturday. This will apply in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. However, all Libyans as well Shiite Muslims in Lebanon, who determine the lunar month according to astronomical calculations, begun their fasting on Friday, clerics said. In Mecca, the Saudi birthplace of Islam, pilgrim arrivals surged this week ahead of Ramadan, but the numbers were well below usual. Egypt, Iran and Iraq are among countries that have placed restrictions on those permitted to undertake the minor pilgrimage, or umrah, during Ramadan because of swine flu. Normally several hundred thousand people perform the umrah, a shortened version of the major hajj pilgrimage that takes place this year in November. The umrah is popular because the faithful can arrive at any time and do not need the permits that are assigned to countries by quota for the hajj, which is required of Muslims once in their lifetime if they have the means. However, with flu cases rising, and with the disease having touched nearly all the region, warnings from governments and the World Health Organisation have heightened fears of being in crowded places. After the region's first death in July, health ministers and WHO officials met in Cairo and recommended discouraging or banning people over 65, pregnant women and children under 12 from joining either the umrah or the hajj. Saudi Arabia did not apply mandatory controls but has urged countries to voluntarily implement restrictions. The impact of the pandemic on Ramadan iftar dinners when people sometimes invite hundreds to break the fast together in homes, tents or hotel ballrooms just after sunset has yet to be seen. But Kuwait's health minister has already advised people to stop shaking hands and kissing each other at such gatherings to stem the spread of the disease. While fasting and iftar are the most well-known elements of Ramadan in the popular mind, this ninth month of the Muslim calendar is meant to be a deeply prayerful. It includes the day on which Muslim's believe God gave the Koran, their holy book, to Mohammed. Similar to the Christian season of Lent, Ramadan is a time for greater reflection and more frequent worship, with the faithful focusing on purifying not only their bodies but their souls. Sexual relations are banned during hours of fasting, and Muslims are enjoined to concentrate on self-discipline, sacrifice and charity toward those who are less fortunate. Many pious Muslims will endeavour to read the entire Koran, or attend the nightly readings at a mosque that accomplish the same end. Ramadan ends with the holiday known as Eid al-Fitr. On this Festival of Breaking the Fast, communal prayers are held early in the morning. Then people wearing their finest clothes, often bought for the occasion, begin feasting, visiting relatives and friends, giving gifts to children and donating food to the poor. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 1 user recommend Enlarge Photo A Palestinian youth decorates a street in the West Bank city of Jenin ahead of the start of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. Islam's fasting month of Ramadan begins on August 22 in most of the Arab world and Iran, but swine flu has cast a cloud over pilgrimages to Mecca and might also dampen enthusiasm for the popular evening get-togethers to break the fast. Most Popular – Top Stories Viewed It's nuts! Squirrel becomes a Web sensation CIA hired Blackwater for assassin program: reports Merkel still world's most powerful woman: Forbes Two arrested over biggest gem robbery: police Egypt warns pharaohs' tombs could disappear View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Friday, 21 August 2009
US-TECH Summary
Germany turns up pressure on GM over Opel
France arrests three more ETA suspects
Lockerbie bomber sent home to Libya to die | International |
England win toss and bat against Aussies in Ashes Test
Flu fighters battle pandemic online
News International plans to shut free London paper
Putin orders probe of creaking infrastructure | International |
Saudi Arabia censors activists' Twitter pages
U.S. grants $1.2 billion for electronic health records
China launches defense website in transparency bid
Wildfire rages near Athens, threatens homes | International |
Gamers face real weather in new sports simulations
Submarines stop search for Air France black boxes | International |
Somalia fighting kills at least 45: residents | International |
French police finds suspected ETA arms cache | International |
Ex-cop pleads guilty to 2 Calif. bank robberies
Newspaper photo helps ID Seattle man with amnesia
2nd lead poisoning case hits China, 1,300 sick
Teach for America eligible for stimulus
Philippines seizes Turkish ship in gun smuggling
Ore. court rejects car salesman's ethics case
China slams US for violating 'national interests'
LED display technology gets a twist | Technology |
Pakistani Taliban deputy chief says takes command
Bermuda on alert as Hurricane Bill advances
Pakistan hopes Afghan vote will bring stability
Correction: CIA-Secret Program
Sri Lanka's army hastens mine-clearing operations
2 more infants killed in Simplicity bassinets
Group finds more unmarked graves in Indian Kashmir
Flu fighters battle pandemic online | Technology |
AP source: CIA hired contractor to kill al-Qaida
Wal-Mart recalls 1.5 million Durabrand DVD players
3 more rebels who seized Philippine islet killed
Correction: Meltdown 101 Q&A on flash orders
Taiwan Q2 GDP data suggests strong recovery
Nigeria to appeal ruling in S.Korea oil case -source
Taiwan c.bank reiterates loose policy comment
China's secretive military launches Web site
India inflation falls but food prices up amid drought
Twilight author sued for copyright infringement | Entertainment |
Bharti extends merger talks with MTN
HK regulator seeks to freeze assets of US fund
Robert Zemeckis circles Yellow Submarine remake | Entertainment |
China Mobile first-half profit up 1.4 percent
Pakistan's forex reserves surge to $12.96 bln
CORRECTED: Actor Jon Cryer stars in family comedy Shorts | Entertainment |
Australia, New Zealand to relax travel restrictions
Iceland, Ecuador early favorites for Miss Universe
Whitney Houston grants TV interview to Winfrey
Tito Jackson says UK shows will honor Michael
Seinfeld to salute Cosby with top humor prize
Jethro might buy Nev. casino for Hillbillies plan
Judge rejects bid to stop Stella perfume launch
German critics lap up Tarantino's Jewish revenge fantasy
Europe's biggest video games fair kicks off
Suspected US missile strike kills nine in Pakistan
Firefighters battle wildfires in southern Europe
Karzai campaign declares victory in Afghan vote | International |
USAID, partners map Afgan election incidents
Lobbying steps up ahead of Brazil jet fighter decision
Lockerbie bomber sent home to Libya to die | International |
Votes counted as West hails Afghan election
Symantec lists "Dirtiest Web Sites"
Al-Qaida emerges as main suspect in Iraq bombings
French police find ETA explosives caches
Over 600 dead or missing in Taiwan | International |
US economy back 'from the brink': Geithner
China jails four for "Tomato Garden" Microsoft piracy
Porsche says raided in insider trading probe
Players face real weather in new sports video games
Iran parliament to reject Ahmadinejad ministers
North Korean envoys arrive in South | International |
US jobless claims in surprise jump for second week
Out of Africa and into China, emigres struggle | International |
U.S. wants to define broadband, opens wireless inquiry
Fighting kills 22 in Somali capital: medics | International |
Iraq to step up security after wave of bombings
Iran parliament to reject Ahmadinejad ministers: MPs | International |
Obama urges simultaneous moves toward Mideast peace
Iran speaker says ready to study rape allegations
Twitter to show whereabouts of tweeters
Japan opposition headed for decisive victory: reports | International |
U.S. drone strike kills 12 in Pakistan | International |
Justice Department approves Oracle purchase of Sun
Job hunting? Take those wild party pics off Facebook
Website launched for sharing flu research
Players face real weather in new sports video games | Technology |
China jails four for Tomato Garden Microsoft piracy | Technology |
Lockerbie bomber home in Libya amid US anger
North Korean team due in South Korea as tensions ease
U.S. wants to define broadband, opens wireless inquiry | Technology |
Court panel lets immigrant rights case proceed
Amnesty urges Malaysia against caning beer-drinking model
Police: Slain model's fingers, teeth were removed
Election likely to reset Japan climate target
Stanford scientists scan 2,500-year-old mummy
Feds approve Arctic fisheries plan
Seattle mayor fighting to hold onto his job
Japan opposition headed for decisive victory
Woman believed killed in '54 living in Australia
Frustrated tweets new headache for airlines | Technology |
Afghans turn to the Twitterverse for election
Police: Teen hires 3 to beat man over stolen pot
Low turnout seen in Afghan election; 26 killed
Bomb wounds 7 close to Pakistan capital
Groups try to block Idaho, Montana wolf hunts
Office furniture exhibit emphasizes art of design
NKorea-US talks shift to clean energy
Korea Hot Stocks- Daewoo Ship gains after Nigeria ruling
S.Korean bonds rebound on export data, U.S. lead
Seoul shares open higher; Samsung Elec up
S.Korea Aug 1-20 exports fall 23.5 pct vs yr ago
China backs down over PepsiCo, Coca-Cola pollution claims
S.Korean state firm wins oil suit against Nigeria
Tarantino's Basterds marches into theaters | Entertainment |
Studio pushes up Jackson film, Ortega to direct | Entertainment |
New Norah Jones album due in November | Entertainment |
Billy Bob Thornton in the ring for boxing movie | Entertainment |
Panic! At the Disco survivors gain Perspective | Entertainment |
Cyrus scores Hot 100 best; Peas, Mraz make history | Entertainment |
Q&A: Mraz humbled by success of little hippie song | Entertainment |
Graffiti gains ground in China
Jackson film to show for two weeks
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
New Norah Jones album due in November
`Avatar' trailer debuts online amid buzz
Probation for woman caught at Spears' home
Studio pushes up Jackson film, Ortega to direct
Mom's legacy is world renowned black collection
Q&A: Mraz humbled by success of "little hippie song"
DA: Murder charges in Calif. trash bin body case
Militants claim Russia dam disaster
China jails Windows software pirates
Ramadan begins on Saturday amid swine flu worries
Russia rebels claim economic war | International |
Eurozone economy stabilises in August: PMI survey
GM to discuss Opel sale, Merkel presses Magna case
Cyber junkies can unplug at US retreat
Two killed, 20 wounded in Baghdad market attack
Afghan presidential vote count over: commission
WHO says preparation vital for next swine flu wave
Karzai's campaign claims victory in Afghan vote
Libyan Megrahi celebrations unsettle UK government | International |
26 dead, 49 still missing in Russian dam disaster
Gabon's Bongo denounces opponents as traitors | International |
Legal quandary for Texas cricket mogul Stanford
Family of crash victim seeks to sue Air France | International |
Irish punters start to bet on No for Lisbon | International |
Fighting kills 22 in Somali capital Mogadishu | International |
Germans prefer Merkel to rival by record margin | International |
Iran allows U.N. watchdog access to planned reactor | International |
Hollywood playing catch-up with videogames | Technology |
New technology key to gaming sector in downturn | Technology |
News Corp eyes online news consortium: report | Technology |
Decision expected on Fla. double killing videos
China Mobile keen on deals with Taiwan firms | Technology |
Philippine police foil Koreans' kidnapping; kill 2
Poll: Americans losing confidence in Obama
6 police chiefs investigated in China gang bust
N.Korean team visits South to mourn Kim Dae-Jung
International manhunt for US model's suspected killer
Drilling rig spills oil, gas off Australian coast
Wis. public visitation for music legend Les Paul
Ship crew faces smuggling charges in Philippines
Lutherans start last debate on gay clergy proposal
NKorea envoys pay unprecedented tribute in SKorea
Vessel detained for arms smuggling: Philippines
Ex-UBS banker faces sentencing in Florida
College students with flu advised to avoid others
Fire crews board Taiwan tanker to locate missing
Fla. judge could decide runaway convert's fate
NKorean delegation in Seoul to mourn Kim Dae-jung
Anwar sodomy case: No clear evidence, says defense
Hollywood playing catch-up with videogames
Taiwan dollar gains on exporters, GDP
Q+A-How is Typhoon Morakot affecting Taiwan's economy?
Seoul shares end firm; autos, techs lend support =2
Oil above 72 dollars in Asian trade
Bharti hopeful of MTN deal to create telecom giant
Hollywood playing catch-up with videogames | Entertainment |
Seoul shares end firm; autos, techs lend support
Panasonic leans on `Avatar' movie for 3-D pr blitz
China growth can't fulfil jobs demand: ministry
Ailing Japan Airlines eyes cargo tie-up with rival
Randy Jackson, others to testify about deal
NZ Telecom's annual net profit tumbles 44 percent
Baghdad's sole traffic lights: struggle for normality
Panic! At the Disco survivors gain "Perspective"
Billy Bob Thornton in the ring for boxing movie
Tarantino's "Basterds" marches into theaters
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01