Post date: Jul 08, 2013 4:57:31 PM
Muslims in Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen prepare for the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
SANA'A, YEMEN (JULY 8, 2013) (REUTERS) - Across the Middle East, Muslims are preparing for the holy month of Ramadan.
In Yemen, traditional dates were sold from a roadside market stall in Sana'a and residents were preparing for the month-long fast by stocking up on treats.But there was concern amongst some that high inflation, a continuing global economic crisis and security concerns would affect their ability to provide properly for their families.
''A change of income as well as an increase in prises, a high rate of inflation, that frankly cause a burden compared to previous years. Before I could afford simple things, and now with the rising prices it's become a difficult thing,'' said one Sana'a resident, Mohamed Hafith.
''We lived in a political crisis, followed by an economic crisis and security concerns, and this has cast a shadow on the economic situation, many families unfortunately won't be able to meet their needs during Ramadan,'' said another Sana'a residentMohamed Abdulla.
Syrian refugees in Tripoli, north Lebanon received humanitarian aid to help them through Ramadan.
One aid distributor, donating gifts funded by the Qatari prince, said it wouldn't be the only help Syrians in Lebanon received to support their fasting.
"We started now with food items, and we have summer clothing next God willing, and now in the holy month of Ramadan, we have daily Iftar for 30 days, the whole duration of the Holy month of Ramadan, all over Lebanese territories, a fasting Iftar meal everyday for Syrian refugees," said Abou Mussaab.
Some Syrian refugees in Lebanon are having their third Ramadan away from their homes.
A billion and a half Muslims globally are anticipating the beginning of the month-long fast.
Markets across the Jordanian capital prepared to meet the increased demand needed to prepare the feasts with which observant Muslims break the daily fast, amid consumer concerns over high food prices.
"The month of Ramadan is filled with blessings and benefits. I prepare according to my children's preferences. But prices have increased, they raised prices of items like parsley and vegetables." Um Ibrahim told Reuters, as she chose vegetables in an Amman market.
Consumers complain that businessmen take advantage of soaring demands on basic food products amid the government's lack of strict price regulation.
As the countdown continues, many Muslims also buy ornaments to decorate their homes.
Streets and houses are lit up with decorative lights and crescent shaped lanterns.
The start date of Ramadan is decided according to the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, in which the beginning of each month coincides with the sighting of the first crescent of a new moon.
This year, the start of the month may fall on Tuesday (July 9) or Wednesday (July 10).