CANNON fire signalled the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan early today.
During the holiest of months, all Muslims will abstain from life's normal habits in order to cleanse and purify their bodies and minds.
During the fasting day, which begins at dawn and continues until immediately after sunset, Muslims must refrain from drinking, eating, smoking and sexual relations - the subjection of passions and appetites, being designed to purify the soul and bring it close to God.
The Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry has issued an order forbidding restaurants and coffee shops to open during daylight in Ramadan.
It also forbids smoking, drinking or eating in public places during the day for everyone, until after sunset.
Those found guilty of such acts will be punished by the court according to the law.
Although non-Muslims are allowed to eat during the daylight hours, it is illegal to do so in public.
Even though Bahrain is renowned for cosmopolitan tolerance, during this month non-Muslims are expected to show particular respect and sensitivity towards those who are fasting.
Newcomers to Bahrain may be under the impression that Ramadan is held at roughly the same time each year. However, this is not the case. The date of the start of Ramadan is 11 days or so earlier each year.
A devout Muslim should refrain from telling lies, backbiting and committing sinful acts. Muslims believe that if a person commits a sinful act while fasting, God will not reward him.
During Ramadan, Muslims wait for the night of Lailat Al Qadir, which falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
They believe that prayers on the night will be answered and God will reward the faithful who stay up late at night praying for the atonement of their sins and a place in paradise after resurrection.
Give me a break.
So today starts ramadamn. Guess today is the beginning of some very tense weeks ahead.
Sorry about your loss Ex...I recently lost both of my horses in two days. Though it was painful, it was nothing compared to my house pets. Lost both cats two weeks later. sniffles to you . . .