French interior minister denounces 'odious' act, affirms his support for Muslim community of Agen

Ruling follows appeal by Muslim association seeking to allow Friday prayers during remainder of Ramadan

Many will have to forgo communal prayers and family gatherings that make the holy month special, as authorities maintain lockdowns aimed at slowing the coronavirus pandemic

With many aspects of community-focused holy month banned or curbed, governments and charity groups from Gaza to Indonesia attempt to balance tradition and caution

2.5 million people complete 5-day pilgrimage required of all believers at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able

All Muslims with the means to do so are required to make the trip once in a lifetime; rituals include entering state of purity, stoning of the devil

As the number of immigrants in each ethnic group increases, so does the animosity toward them from nativists

Annual observation by members of the religion around the world marked by dawn-to-dusk abstention, prayer and giving of charity

Communities worry the Islamic State-claimed attack that killed around 250 people will bring both government and mob retaliation