Muslims begin fasting for holy month of Ramadan
(AGI) Rome, June 18 - Ramadan, a month of fasting, began onThursday for 1.5 billion Muslims, more than 23 percent of theworld's population. Ramadan means "scorching hot", as itoriginally fell in summer. The day changes each year as theIslamic calendar is a lunar calendar. It is the ninth month inthe calendar and is considered the most sacred time whenGabriel the Archangel revealed the Koran to Muhammad. For 30days all Muslims must abstain from drinking, eating, smoking orhaving sex from dawn to dusk. Minors, the elderly, thechronically ill and pregnant or nursing