In pictures: Muslims around the world mark first day of Ramadan

People around the world are marking the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is determined by the lunar cycle and this year will run from 6 May.

Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month.

Many Muslims will not eat or drink water during daylight for the month.

People pray at a mosque at Turkish Ulu Mosque in Utrecht, The Netherlands

A vendor in Afghanistan prepares sweets. It is common to have one meal, known as the Suhoor, just before dawn and another, known as the Iftar, directly after sunset.

Muslims pray inside a Mosque in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The country is home to the world's largest Muslim population.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. In this image (above), people in Sarajevo release sky lanterns to mark the beginning of Ramadan.

Shoppers in Amman, Jordan, walk past a giant crescent moon and other light decorations.

Muslim students in Indonesia read copies of the Koran on the first day of the holy month.

Muslims in Iraq pray on the first day of Ramadan.

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