Author: Anja Hilscher

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Symbolic image of Ramadan (photo: picture-alliance/dpa/N. Mounzer)

Fasting during Ramadan

Too much of a good thing

Ramadan is like Islam as a whole: from a distance, people are scared of it. But close up, it′s wonderful. If only it weren′t for an uncomprehending majority on one side, and the pious hard-core fasters on the other. By Anja HilscherMore

Anja Hilscher's book "Image Problem": Addressing the problem of Islam's imageThe Islamic month of Ramadan: A test of willpowerThe holy month of Ramadan: To fast or not to fastRamadan for shopkeepers: Breaking the fast with dates and seafood

In brief

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Most Recent Photo Essay

According to the Koran, the Prophet Muhammad received the Book's holy words in the month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims are supposed to practice abstinence. Daily prayer is compulsory – even for travellers. Islamic prayer rooms have been set up in many international airports, like the one here in Amman. In Germany, you can find these rooms in the airports at Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf

Ramadan: Enlightenment and commerce

Muslims all over the world are currently observing Ramadan. The month of fasting is supposed to be all about reflection, meditation and abstention - but Ramadan is becoming increasingly commercialised.