Clerics in Kabul report that nearly 100% of the citizens of Afghanistan are strictly observing the fast of Ramadan. The ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Ramadan is the time in which Muslims fast during daylight hours. Afghan citizens have embraced the restrictions this year with unusual fervor, some maintaining their fasts even after sundown, some for as long as weeks at a time. Experts are unsure at this time as to the reason for such widespread religious devotion.

The Islamic observation of Ramadan is expected to continue through the month of Shawwal and well into Dhul Qadah.