1.
GV Congregation kneel in prayer (4 shots)
0.29

2.
LV-CV Preacher reads from Koran (4 shots)
0.46

3.
SV Cameraman and congregation (2 shots)
0.53

4.
LV Religious personality announces
0.57

5.
GV Congregation dispersing after service.
1.04



Initials OJP/BOB/BB/0236 OJP/BOB/BB/0245



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Algerian observation of Ramadan...the ninth month of the Mohammedan year...began late on Friday night (30 October) with a special service in the Great Mosque of Algiers. Ramadan is rigidly observed as a 30-day fast, during the hours of daylight, by all Mohammedans (Moslems).

The eve of the ninth month is often referred to as "the night of doubt". During it, a watch is kept by the local Ministry of Religious Affairs for the appearance of the new moon which will herald the fasting.

During the service in the Great Mosque there were frequent readings from the Koran....the sacred book of Mohammedans, consisting of revelations by Mohammed collected and written after his death.

An announcement was made from the pulpit by a Ministry official detailing the sighting of the new moon in Southern Algeria, and the beginning of the fast.