Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The holy month of Ramadan, celebrated by the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims, will commence in Azerbaijan on June 18.

This year, Azerbaijanis will declare their intentions on the night of June 17 and the Ramadan holiday will be celebrated on July 18.

Laylat al-Qadr nights fall on June 18-23 and 26, 27.

Laylat al-Qadr or “Night of Power”, is the night when the first verses of the holy Koran were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The general opinion is that this night is one of last ten nights of Ramadan, the night of odd day.

Muslims believe that on this night, God blesses everyone, forgives all sins, grants all prayers, and angels descend on Earth.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic principles. They are to strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to purify their lives, thoughts, and emotions.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islamic religion and one of its main practices. The resulting hunger is seen as a means of developing sympathy for the less fortunate, while learning to be humble and appreciate all of God's bounties.

Muslims worldwide fast during the daylight hours during Ramadan. For 30 days, they do not eat, drink, smoke or engage in sexual intercourse during fasting hours, testing their patience and ability to overcome temptations.

The holy Koran says: "As morning comes and white thread distinguishes from black thread, you may eat and drink and then complete your fast till the night."

Muslims also focus on reading the Koran, donating to charities, and refraining from activities deemed impure, such as gossip. Many adherents attempt to recite the Koran in its entirety by the end of Ramadan.

Every day, after the morning meal (imsak) and before starting fast, a Muslim needs to declare his intention (niyyet). This practice is also observed before breaking the fast at sundown (iftar).

In Islam, fasting is obligatory for all the faithful with the exception of minors, the elderly and ill, mentally ill, pregnant women and nursing mothers, travelers, and soldiers.

Ramadan, also known as the “Sultan of Eleven Months,” brings worshippers closer together around one table, and teaches them love for God, love for life as presented by God to each being, and to share both material and moral wealth.

At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar. Iftar is a time of fellowship with families, friends, and surrounding communities.

It is desirable to break fast with pure water, milk, or something sweet as the Prophet Muhammad had done.

According to the hadith, it is better to invite those who have fasted to your iftar table. It says that the one who feeds a person who fasted will receive the same reward as the one who fasted.

Foods that contain pork or alcohol are strictly prohibited during a meal. It is also undesirable to eat excessively, both during morning and evening meal, as it burdens the body and is harmful to health.

Fasting cleanses a Muslim not only spiritually, but also improves his/her health. Muslims believe that the human body is at rest during the holy month. It is a time to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins as a result of excessive consumption throughout the year. On the occasion, the Prophet Muhammad exclaimed, " Fast, and you will be healthy."

May this Ramadan bring you the utmost in peace and prosperity!

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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