Ramadan begins today -

The holy month of Ramadan of 1444 Hijri begins in the country today (Friday).

Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month, a time of restraint and austerity.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers, fasting, giving charity and religious devotion.

All government, semi-government and private offices have arranged new office schedules coinciding with the special arrangements for iftar for its officers, employees and staff.

The holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailatul Qadr, the night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), will be observed on the night of April 18 (Tuesday night).