Ramadan: Commencement in Some Countries and Prohibition of Fasting in Others

Ramadan begins as Muslims in various countries observe the customs of this month according to their traditions. However, in some countries, specific laws have been enacted regarding this month, and in others, there are prohibitions for fasting Muslims. Ramadan is considered the most important month in the calendar for Muslims worldwide. However, observing the customs of this month is accompanied by challenges for Muslims in certain countries. For instance, in Xinjiang province of China, once again this year, fasting prohibitions have been announced. According to Agence France-Presse, government employees, students, and teachers are banned from fasting. The local government website states that one should not fast during Ramadan and should avoid holding religious ceremonies. Uyghur Muslim rights groups claim that these restrictions imposed by the central Chinese government have exacerbated ethnic tensions in this region, which has already resulted in hundreds of deaths. In Southeast Asia, reports indicate that Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, who fled by boat and successfully entered Indonesia, are pleased that they can observe Ramadan in a calmer situation. However, one resident of Rakhine State, where the Rohingya live, stated that there are no restrictions for them in observing Ramadan. Nonetheless, the situation for these Muslims in Myanmar has been very tense, especially in recent months. In some countries, laws have been enacted to respect Ramadan and facilitate people's lives during this month. In Indonesia, which is facing rising inflation, the president has issued a decree allowing the government to limit the prices of food, cement, and other essential goods during Ramadan. In Pakistan, it was announced that death sentences will not be carried out during Ramadan. This decision was made by an unnamed official after 170 people were executed since the beginning of the new Gregorian year, six months ago. The execution of death sentences, which had been banned in Pakistan, resumed following the massacre of dozens of students by radical Islamists last winter. However, in western Iran, at the border between Turkey and Syria, many refugees cannot return home in time to begin Ramadan with their families. Reports from the Akcakale border indicate that Syrians who fled from Tal Abyad in Syria and had come to this side of the border, now face a closed border as they decide to return following a calming of the situation, a situation that is likely to continue until next week. But this is not the only difficulty Muslims face this month. In Finland, as Ramadan coincides with summer, the head of the Muslim Union has stated that the fasting hours reach 21 hours. According to the Associated Press, some religious scholars have recommended that due to the long days, Muslims can fast according to the fasting hours in the nearest Muslim country.