Ukraine's war casts a shadow over Ramadan in the Middle East and Arab countries

Many had hoped this year's Ramadan would be happier after the coronavirus pandemic deprived 2 billion Muslims around the world over the past two years of the joyous rituals of Ramadan, but they have found that basic things have become more expensive this year, due to the Russian attack on Ukraine.

The war raging in Ukraine, which caused a rise in fuel and food prices in many Arab countries, cast its shadow this year on the holiest month of Islam, as large gatherings and family celebrations are one of the traditions of the month.

Many had hoped the month would be a happier month after the coronavirus pandemic deprived two billion Muslims around the world over the past two years of the joyous rituals of Ramadan.

Instead, many have found that even basic things have become more expensive this year.

The Saudi statement on the advent of Ramadan, which is based on the moon-sighting methodology, was broadcast on the country's state television.

In Beirut, the celebrations were silent, with many expressing shock at the price hikes, which escalated further after the Russian invasion of Ukraine last month.

The Lebanese are facing the worst economic crisis in their country over the past two years, as the currency collapsed and the country's middle class fell into poverty.

In Afghanistan, where the Taliban took control of the country last August, the Supreme Court announced that the first day of Ramadan will be Saturday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a tweet.

Its neighbor Pakistan will start fasting on Saturday as well.

And in Cairo, where you see the Ramadan tradition of colorful lanterns and lights hanging throughout the city's narrow alleys, shoppers came out earlier this week to buy groceries, decorations and more, although many were not able to buy as much as last year.

Egypt is the largest importer of wheat in the world, and it imported most of its wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine in recent years, and the country's currency witnessed a significant decline in recent days, which added to other pressures that raised prices.

In Doha, the capital of Qatar, preparations for this year's Ramadan have gone hand in hand with the World Cup soccer tournament to be held there in November. The lights that decorated the streets during Ramadan were usually banners celebrating the biggest football event, and fans danced under the flags representing different countries.

With the Russian attack on Ukraine, millions of people in the Middle East whose lives have already been upended by conflict, displacement and poverty, from Lebanon, Iraq and Syria to Sudan and Yemen, are wondering where their next meal will come from.

Ukraine and Russia account for a third of global wheat and barley exports, which Middle Eastern countries depend on to feed millions of people who live on subsidized bread and pasta, and they are also major exporters of other grains and cooking sunflower seed oil.

In the Gaza Strip, few people did Friday shopping in the markets, which are usually crowded at this time of the year.