KABUL - Muslims around the world have begun the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
The holy month started at dawn on Saturday and is expected to end on December 18.
United States President George W. Bush, eager to avoid offending Muslims and aware that key allies such as Pakistan had appealed for a bombing halt over the period, saluted Islam and underlined US humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.
"As the new moon signals the holy month of Ramadan, I extend warm greetings to Muslims throughout the United States and around the world," Mr Bush said in a statement, without mentioning the war.
Top clerics in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, had spotted the new moon, which traditionally marks the start of the month, on Thursday night local time.
In the Afghan capital, Kabul, preachers urged worshippers in crowded mosques to hunt down the fighters of Osama bin Laden, prime suspect for the US terror attacks.
* New Zealand has about 25,000 Muslims. Dr Anwar Ghani, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand, said:
"During this time of international crisis, the fast of Ramadan offers people of all faiths an opportunity to learn more about Islam and the Islamic community in New Zealand."
- REUTERS, STAFF REPORTER
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