| Ramadan Observances Set to End |
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Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is likely to begin at sundown on Aug. 18, pending sighting of the new moon per Islamic tradition. A new Pew Forum survey of Muslims in 39 countries and territories around the world finds that fasting during Ramadan is widely observed, with a median of 93% of Muslims saying they abstain from food and drink during the day. Annual almsgiving to assist the poor or needy (zakat) is almost as widely observed as fasting, with a median of 77% of Muslims saying they perform zakat, which by custom is supposed to equal 2.5% or more of a person's total wealth. For more information on these and other religious practices, see the full report. VIEW THE GRAPHIC >
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| Candidates' Religious Biographies |
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What are the religious backgrounds of the 2012 candidates for president and vice president? Read the candidates' religious biographies to learn about how religion figures in their lives and their views on the role of faith in public life. READ THE RELIGIOUS BIOGRAPHIES >
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AUG. 14 - RELIGION NEWS SERVICE
Diversity of Islam highlighted in new Pew report
Religion News Service explores a new Pew Forum survey on the religious beliefs and practices of Muslims in 39 countries and discusses key findings with the report's lead author, Pew Forum Director of International Survey Research James Bell. |
Photo Credit
© Sanjeev Syal/Demotix/Corbis |
