NEW YORK — Muslims around the world welcomed the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday with some trepidation given the war in Gaza and political and religious turmoil taking place across the Middle East.

Ramadan — the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar — is a period observed by Muslims worldwide. Generally lasting for a period of 29 or 30 days, Ramadan holds profound significance for those of the Islamic faith, serving as a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline and a heightened devotion to God.

At its core, Ramadan lies within the pillar of Islam known as Sawm (or fasting), whereby adherents abstain from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. Fasting transcends abstinence from physical indulgences and embodies a holistic spiritual experience that encompasses various dimensions of a Muslim’s life.

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This year, Ramadan takes place during a particularly delicate time for many Muslims. War and starvation in the Gaza Strip, for example, has cast a pall on the festivities.

“Ramadan has typically been a time when I’ve turned away from the outside world and focused on my connection with God,” Sonia Uddin, a second-generation Pakistani-American living in Orange County, Calif., told The Associated Press. “But this year, turning off is not an option for me. I need to continue my activism so those who have no voice can be heard.”

For her and many Muslim Americans, such holidays are shadowed by concern for people in Gaza, where a five-month Israeli offensive has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians and pushed thousands on the brink of famine, and a surge in Islamophobia.

Palestinians, meanwhile, prepared for Ramadan amid heightened security measures as ongoing talks — with help from the United Sttaes and Qatar — to secure a ceasefire have stalled.

In Israel, thousands of police officers have been deployed in Jerusalem’s Old City, where Muslims are expected every day at the Al Aqsa mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam.

Why is Ramadan important?

One of the primary reasons Ramadan matters to Muslims is its role as a period of self-purification and spiritual growth. Through fasting, Islam teaches that Muslims learn self-discipline.

By refraining from material needs, they can redirect their focus towards spiritual nourishment. In addition, Ramadan serves as a time to empathize with the less fortunate and cultivate compassion and solidarity with those who are deprived of basic necessities — making what’s currently happening in Gaza feel even more real.

Fasting, Muslims believe, fosters empathy by providing a glimpse into the daily struggles faced by the poor, instilling a sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed on them.

On the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims observe a special night called Layat al-Qadr, sometimes referred to as the “Night of Power.” It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad first received the Quran on that night.

Cultural and historic importance

For Muslims around the world, Ramadan also holds historical and cultural significance, serving as a commemoration of the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad.

It was during this sacred period that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to him, marking the beginning of his prophethood and the growth of Islam that followed.

No matter where Muslims live, Ramadan also helps foster community and unity. One way to do that is by engaging in collective prayers (known as taraweeh) and breaking fasts (Iftar) with family and friends. The communal aspect of Ramadan is known to strengthen bonds.

At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for festive meals and often exchange gifts.

Crescent moon sightings

The moon sighting before Ramadan — also known as Ramzan/Ramazan/Ramzaan — is a practice that is a traditional part of the Islamic faith, determining the start of fasting each day until sunset. Only when the crescent moon is spotted in a particular country can Ramadan officially begin.

The crescent moon was first spotted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

The Islamic calendar, it should be noted, is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning when the new crescent moon is sighted.

The crescent moon is a symbol often associated with Islam and is commonly found on flags like that of Turkey and Algeria), mosques and Islamic artwork. It represents the lunar calendar, the passage of time and the cyclic nature of life — reminding Muslims of the importance of time and the rhythm of the universe.

It is linked to the historical significance of the night journey (Isra and Mi’raj) that Muhammad embarked on, where Islamic teaching says he ascended to heaven and received revelations from Allah.

Clemente Lisi is the executive editor of Religion Unplugged. He previously served as deputy head of news at the New York Daily News and a longtime reporter at The New York Post. Follow him on X @ClementeLisi.