Muslims across the world mark start of holy month of Ramadan

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins at sundown. The faithful are preparing for a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting intended to bring them closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. For the next 30 days, beginning Thursday, Muslims will refrain from eating or drinking anything from sunrise to sunset. Many will more strictly observe prayers, donate to charity and devote more time to reading the Quran. This year many will struggle to afford holiday treats amid soaring prices fueled in part by the war in Ukraine. The holy month will also be shadowed by the suffering in Turkey and Syria, where an earthquake last month killed more than 52,000 people.