Ramadan 2014: First Day of Muslim Holy Month Observed around the World [PHOTOS]

This weekend marks the beginning of holiest month in Islamic calendar, Ramadan. Ramadan is the first day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar of the same name.

During this sacred period, Muslims across the world observe fast, engage in prayers and refrain themselves from eating and drinking water from dawn to dusk.

Ramadan is considered to be the holiest month as the Holy book of Quran was revealed during this month to mankind through Prophet Muhammad.

"Ramadan is known as the month of empathy. And it's that time of the year where Muslims put themselves in the shoes of people who don't have enough food or water to drink and [experience] a little of their situation. So, it is supposed to [evoke] empathy in people," Abdul-Azim Ahmed, a student of religion and theology at Cardiff University, told Walesonline.

The holy month will begin on 28 June and will continue for 29 to 30 days. It begins after the sighting of the new moon to the naked eye.

This year, Ramadan will begin on different days in different parts of the world. The holy month will start from Sunday in the Gulf region, while in the US it started from Saturday.

The Union Moon Sighting Council declared that the Ramadan for the year 1435 Hijrah will start on Sunday.

In the US, The Fiqh Council Of North America, an association of Muslims which is affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), has declared Saturday as the first day of Ramadan.

"On the basis of this method the dates of Ramadan and Eidul Fitr for the year 1435 AH are established as follows: 1st of Ramadan will be on Saturday, 28 June 2014 and 1st of Shawwal will be on Monday, 28 July 2014," the Fiqh Council said.

Scroll down to check the photographs showing the start of the holy month of Ramadan across the world: