Updated: July 10, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: First Ramadan prayers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 10, 2013: Muslims leave after morning prayers on the first day of the Holy month of Ramadan at the Al Haj Abdul Khaleq Abdulla Al Khoury Mosque in the Madinat Zayed area of Abu Dhabi on July 10, 2013. Christopher Pike / The National
The call to prayer broke the tranquil silence before dawn this morning, ushering in the start of the hottest Ramadan in 33 years. Christopher Pike / The National
Ramadan, the month of fasting, is divided into three parts. The first 10 days of Ramadan are for seeking God’s mercy, and sharing mercy with others. The second ten days are for forgiveness and the third for salvation. Christopher Pike / The National
Ibraheem Khalil after morning prayers in the Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi. “I started fasting when I was only 10 and since I have never missed a single day during the month,� he said. “I know weather conditions are challenging this year but pray God to ???
Othman Hassan, 26, from Egypt. “This is my first Ramadan away from my family. They warned me about the heat, but I didn’t think it was this bad. I made sure to drink a lot of water with my suhoor." Satish Kumar / The National
Emirati Tarek Al Ghaith, attends first prayers on the first day of Ramadan in Dubai . Satish Kumar / The National
Muslims attends early morning prayers on the first day of Ramadan in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National