Ramadan has begun. The actual beginning varies geographically as it starts with the first sighting of the crescent moon in the lunar month of Ramadan and lasts for just about a calendar month. The tradition is to fast between sunrise and sunset each day during the month, and at a time of year when the days are getting longer.
Fasting for Moslems means no food or drink, not even water, during the daytime hours. It also means no smoking, no sex, no music during the day. But the focus is not entirely on abstinence. There is also an emphasis on kindness and charity as well as prayer. And iftar, the evening meal after sunset, is a happy time of family sharing.
Meanwhile, unhappily if unsurprisingly, Open Arms, the rescue ship intended for Gaza, remains in harbour in Larnaca. Its barge is fully loaded with food but there is some delay. Most sources cite “technical reasons” - a phrase that could cover a multitude of political sins. Euronews - less diplomatic? - says “as Israeli authorities requested to inspect it”.
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