ANKARA
Muslims in Turkey welcome holy month of Ramadan with first Tarawih prayer on Monday. First Ramadan meal before dawn during Ramadan (suhoor) in Turkey will clock in northeastern city of Ardahan at 2.39 a.m. and last one in southwestern city of Mugla at 4.02 a.m., where first breaking of the Ramadan fast (iftar) will take place at 19.38 p.m in southeastern city of Hakkari and last in nothwestern city of Edirne at 20.59 p.m..
Ankara residents will spend the hours between 3.27 a.m. - 20.28 p.m. fasting and Istanbulites between 3.35 a.m. - 20.47 p.m. The Religious Affairs of Turkey specified the theme of 2013 Ramadan as "Halal income-halal livelihood". Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. Many Muslims, except children, the sick and the elderly, abstain from food, drink, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. The first Tarawih, special prayers which are held in mosques every night of the month, begins on Monday, 8th of July. Many Muslims perform these prayers in the evening, during which a section of the holy Qur'an is recited. It is recommended that Muslims attend the tarawih prayers in the mosque to pray in congregation. This is true for both men and women. However, one may also perform the prayers individually at home. These prayers are voluntary, but are strongly recommended and widely practised. People of Islamic faith are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an during Ramadan which is also a month for acts of charity. There are many Islamic organizations that actively take part in charity events and activities such as giving basic necessities, including food and clothing, to the needy people. There is also a holy night during Ramadan called Laylat al-Qadr, which means 'Night of Power', when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are instructed to seek the Night of Power during the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights. It is reported that the Prophet said, "Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins." Ramadan is believed to be a time of intense spirituality, when the believers are surrounded by angels, the gates of heaven are open, and Allah's blessings and mercy are abundant.
Australia's Muslims ready for Ramadan
Turkish expats in Australia are getting ready for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by preparing aid parcels to be sent to poor Muslims throughout the world.
Mobilizing for their Muslim brothers and sisters living in poor countries, they gather in mosques and prepare food packages and will send them to poor Muslims in 25 various countries.
Turkish supermarkets also announce special campaigns and sales for Ramadan on local radios broadcasting in Turkish.
Stressing that Ramadan coincides with winter months, Turkish shop owners said the number of customers have decreased substantially compared to the previous Ramadans, adding that they have completed their preparations to welcome the month.
Besides, thousands of Muslims rushing to mosques on the eve of Ramadan performed their first tarawih prayer, extra prayers performed by Muslims at following the night prayer in Ramadan.
Addressing to Muslims before the tarawih prayer, imams gave sermons and prayed for an urgent end to the ongoing conflicts throughout the world and wished Ramadan would bring peace and tranquility to the Islamic world.
