KABUL, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan marked the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, the Supreme Court of the war-torn country announced.
During Ramadan, the fasting observers excluding children stay away from eating, drinking, smoking and conducting sexual relations from dawn to dusk. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days based on the lunar calendar and depending on moon sightings.
Muslim communities during the holy month engage in charity acts to assist needy families as part of the obligation to reduce poverty and promote social harmony.
During Ramadan, the Afghan caretaker government, on top of reducing working hours, also controls the prices of basic needs as part of efforts to help needy families. ■