Even Ramadan's starting date is sectarian in Iraq

Iftar is the breaking of the fast that takes place every night in the homes of observant Muslims during the month of Ramadan

BAGHDAD, Iraq Iraq's Sunnis started fasting Saturday, the first day of Ramadan. But the country's Shiite majority begin observing the Muslim holy month on Monday — yet another indication of the deep rift between the two communities that has led to widespread sectarian violence.

There had even been speculation that even among Shiites, radical cleric Muqtada Sadr would declare yet a third start to Ramadan for his followers, but his office told The AP they would follow the Monday start.

Shiites and Sunnis have started Ramadan at different times in the past, but usually the gap is only one day.

This year, the Sunni's Association of Muslim Scholars declared Friday was the start of Ramadan, while Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, on Sunday declared the start of Ramadan to be Monday.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune

Related Link:
Ramadan at Wikipedia