President attends Iftar ceremony
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has attended the Iftar ceremony on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade hosted the Iftar ceremony at his residency on July 17.
The event kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Quran.
Addressing the ceremony, Sheikh-ul-Islam Pashazade expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for accepting the invitation to attend the Iftar ceremony.
Then, the head of state addressed the event.
Other speakers including head of the Baku and Caspian Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexander and chairman of the Religious Community of the Mountain Jews of Baku Milikh Yevdayev praised tolerance in Azerbaijan, and the country`s contributions to developing interreligious dialogue.
Later, Iftar was served.
Ramadan plays an important role in Muslim's life. As fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan, it is called "Fasting of Ramadan". Ramadan is considered as the most merciful and holiest month of the year for Muslims.
In metaphoric sense, it is called "the Sultan of eleven months", because at one of the nights of this month, the holy Koran was revealed.
Ramadan conveys the sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.