SPECIAL EDITION: Why Ramadan is so sacred

Plus: How Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr; the holiest sites in Islam; and 5 fascinating facts  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  

 

SEE THE HOLIEST SITES IN ISLAM VIEW ONLINE

SEE THE HOLIEST SITES IN ISLAM

ISLAM'S HOLIEST MONTH As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, we explore its fascinating origins, the unique and vibrant ways Muslims around the world celebrate it, and take you to the holiest sites in Islam.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAVED DAR, XINHUA/GETTY IMAGES See how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the world When the sun sets on April 20, Muslims around the world will look skyward for a crescent of pale white light—the conclusion to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan emblazoned in the night sky. From beachside prayers in Senegal to colorful festivals in Pakistan, these pictures show the many ways that Muslims observe the end of this holy month. SEE MORE PHOTOS RAMADAN 101: Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture +

PHOTOGRAPH BY KHALED DESOUKI, AFP/GETTY IMAGES How do Muslims celebrate Ramadan? Here are 5 unique traditions From the sounding of the iftar cannon to lavish banquets, this is how Muslims mark the most sacred month of the year. EXPLORE

National Geographic marks Ramadan Celebration Month with stories, photos, and voices from around the world. Read and see more  ››

5 FASCINATING FACTS

PHOTOGRAPH VIA GETTY IMAGES The skyline of Jerusalem's Old City is dominated by the gold-topped Dome of the Rock, built where it is believed Muhammad ascended to heaven. It's one of the five holiest sites in Islam.

1. Mecca is Islam's holiest site—but these 4 other destinations provide intriguing insights into the religion. 2. The growth of Islam in the seventh century sparked a golden age of discovery for medical science. 3. A UNESCO World Heritage site in Córdoba, Spain, is a cathedral with a rich history as a mosque. 4. There are more than 3,000 mosques in Istanbul, Turkey, ranging from grand edifices to unassuming wooden buildings. 5. Muslim inventor Ismail al-Jazari laid the groundwork for modern engineering, hydraulics, and robotics—in the 12th century.

STORIES AND VOICES

PHOTOGRAPH BY SABIHA ÇIMEN A girlhood framed by the Quran As a child, Sabiha Çimen attended a Quran school for girls in her home city of Istanbul. The experience stayed with her, and when she became a photographer, she knew she needed to return: "Through vignettes of daily life—the daydreams and the quiet rebellions, the trivial moments and the melodramas—an emotional narrative started to emerge," she says. SEE THE PHOTOS

PHOTOGRAPH BY LYNSEY ADDARIO How Muslims, often misunderstood, are thriving in America They're a vibrant and increasingly visible part of the tapestry in communities across the nation. PROGRESS AND PREJUDICE COURTESY ACTIVE INCLUSION NETWORK For Muslim hikers, an empowering community makes all the difference Alone, they received unwanted attention—together, getting outdoors becomes "a beautiful experience." READ ON

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