Hyderabad, Aug 1 (IANS) The Muslim holy month of fasting Ramzan began in Hyderabad and the rest of Andhra Pradesh with the sighting of the moon Monday.


Ruwait-e-Hilal or moon sighting committee announced that the moon has been sighted and Tuesday will be the first day of fasting.

With the committee confirming sighting of moon, announcements were made and sirens were blared from the mosques across the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. People were seen congratulating each other on the occasion.

With the sighting of moon, Namaz-e-Taraveeh or special prayers began Monday night at the historic Mecca Masjid and hundreds of other mosques in the Muslim-majority old city of Hyderabad and other parts of the city.

People began flocking to the markets to make last-minute shopping for 'Sehr' or pre-dawn meals. The fasting, which begins at the dawn, ends with 'Iftar' at the sunset.

Hyderabad witnesses unprecedented economic activity during the fasting month with massive sale of dates and fruits for 'Iftar' while almost every eatery serves the delicious 'Haleem', the famous Iranian dish.

According to Muslim religious scholars, 'Roza' or fasting is the second most important pillar of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim.

Those observing the fast refrain from eating, drinking or having sexual intercourse from the break of dawn to the sunset. The purpose of the fast is to cleanse the inner soul and teach about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to Almighty Allah.