The holy month will begin on Tuesday for Iraq's Sunni minority, and from Wednesday for Shiites. The difference is because each sect follows a different moon-sighting technique. The Health Ministry reported 7,953 new cases on Monday and 44 deaths. The country registered 8,331 cases last Wednesday, the highest number of daily infections since the outbreak began. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by Muslims across the world who abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex from daybreak to dusk. They offer extra prayers, read the Quran, show charity to the poor and cement friendships and family ties. Usually, there is a festive atmosphere after sunset, with families and friends visiting each other or gathering at street cafes, playing traditional games like backgammon and cards or smoking shisha.