Ramadan holiday is celebrated in Azerbaijan

Today and tomorrow, Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is celebrated in Azerbaijan. It is one of the most significant religious holidays for every Muslim.

The month of Ramadan is a time for reflecting on the spiritual experience accumulated by a person. Believers consider that during these days one should perform as many good deeds as possible: care for those close to them, provide assistance to those in need, and show compassion. Before the holiday, it is necessary to forgive one another for grievances and to try to visit relatives and acquaintances.

Zakat al-Fitr is a charitable donation that must be paid to Muslims in need before the onset of the holiday, which is an obligatory act. The head of the family pays the donation on behalf of all its members who are under his care.

Fasting was established for Muslims in 624 CE — in the second year of the Hijra. It is believed that the complete renunciation during the fast of basic human needs, and especially excesses, gives Muslims the opportunity to confirm the strength of their faith, learn self-control, and contributes to spiritual purification. Those fasting during Ramadan are prescribed to maintain inner purity and free themselves from thoughts, temptations, and actions that defile a person.

It was during one of the last ten nights of Ramadan in 610 CE, in the cave of Hira on Mount Jabal al-Nour, that the first surah of the Quran was sent down by Almighty Allah to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr).

Since 1993, Ramadan Bayram has been celebrated in Azerbaijan at the state level.

As a reminder, this year the month of Ramadan in Azerbaijan began on February 19.