Azerbaijan marks holy Ramadan Holiday
By Jamila Babayeva
The holy month of Ramadan comes to an end today. Azerbaijani Muslims mark Ramadan holiday. This year, 28-29 July have been officially declared as Ramadan holidays in the country.
Muslims will perform the holidays prayer of Ramadan month at 9:00 in Taza Pir Mosque and at 8:00 in Ajdarbay Mosque on July 29.
The holy month of Ramadan and Ramadan holiday make people closer to each other. They bring people together around one table and teach them the love for God and life presented by God to each being. During this months, Muslims begin to share both their material and moral wealth.
The month of fasting allows men to check their will, patience and invite them to purity, kindness as well as wisdom and honesty.
The day of ending of Ramadan month is called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, all Muslims congratulate each other, visit the graves of their late relatives to pray for their souls.
Meanwhile, charity and good deeds have special importance during Ramadan holiday. Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
On Ramadan holiday, every man should give their Zakat in 3 kg of grain, or dates, or raisin to the poor.
Ramadan holiday is highly important for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons of this month should stay with them throughout the year.
In the holy Qur'an, Muslims are recommended to fast to "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). The restraint and devotion are especially felt during Ramadan but all Muslims must strive to keep the feelings and attitudes with them during their "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.
Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, has celebrated the Ramadan officially since 1993, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijani Muslims did not stop fasting even during the Soviet period when all religious holidays were banned.
Azerbaijan has always been one of the historical and cultural centers of the Islamic world, and for centuries the Azerbaijani people have been committed to their religious, national and moral values.
The freedom of conscience and freedom of religion are fully ensured in accordance with local legislation and international law, with favorable conditions created for the citizens to freely practice their religious rituals, conduct ceremonies, and celebrate holidays.