Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan begins (11 images)

Palestinians buy decorative lights for the sacred month of Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem, July 31, 2011. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, refrain from sex and smoking, is expected to begin Monday. UPI/Debbie Hill

Palestinians shop for food ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan at Al-Zawiya market in Gaza City on July 30, 2011.as Muslims all over the world mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims observe Ramadan by abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. UPI/Ismael Mohamad

Palestinian men drink coffee and smoke beside a shop selling decorative lights for the sacred month of Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem, July 31, 2011. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, refrain from sex and smoking, is expected to begin Monday. UPI/Debbie Hill

A Palestinian man displays colorful lanterns in Rafah market a day before the start of Ramadan in Rafah southern Gaza , on July 30, 2011.as Muslims all over the world mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims observe Ramadan by abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset. UPI/Ismael Mohamad