Arab world kicks off Ramadan under shadow of violence

Across the Middle East, most were getting into Ramadan mode for a month of fasting and prayer as well as lavish banquets in Bedouin-style tents and late-night social gatherings.

Just a few countries were still waiting to sight the crescent moon and begin Ramadan today, while in Iraq the Sunnis saw violence usher in the start of the month as their Shia compatriots waited a further 24 hours.

Palestinians too saw Ramadan greeted with continued violence, despite an announcement by the Israelis that their lethal offensive in the northern Gaza Strip was being scaled back, but not ended.

In Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites in Makkah and Medina, authorities geared up to receive pilgrims from abroad during the holy month when Muslims fast and abstain from smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk.

An official at the pilgrimage ministry said three million pilgrims were expected for the Umra (small pilgrimage), in addition to an anticipated 1.5 million from within the kingdom.

The kingdom's leaders, King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, said in a joint statement: "Muslims must act ... in keeping with the tolerant Islamic creed, which rejects violence, extremism, terrorism and the intimidation of peaceable people, while advocating... moderation and centrism."

Saudi Arabia has been hit by a wave of attacks by suspected Islamist extremists, and the authorities are taking no chances during Ramadan. The government is deploying an estimated 3,000 policemen to provide security in Makkah.