OUTLOOK: Start of Ramadan marked by violence in Iraq

Ramadan has begun. In normal times, it marks the beginning of the ninth month, and the beginning of the revelation of Islam's most holy text, the Q'uran.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, altruism, and family. For the entire month, devout Muslims fast during daylight hours, 
intended to help teach self-discipline, self-restraint and
generosity.

And hundreds of millions of Muslims will undertake this spiritual practice of renunciation, to cleanse their souls and renew their devotion.

But these are not ordinary times, and at NowPublic, we are interested in the opinions of young Muslims - how is this experience of Ramadan changed by world events?

Please submit blog postings that you believe are relevant.