Religion

Religion

Holy month of Ramadan begins

06 June 2016 22:01 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Mubariz Aslanov â€“ APA. The Gazi Council and the Scientific-Religious Council of the Caucasian Muslims Office (CMO) has issued a fatwa that this yearâ€™s Ramadan begins on 7 June because, according to the ANAS the Shamakhi-based Tusi Astrophysical Observatory, the new crescent moon has been sightedÂ already. Â

During the holy month, the believers observe fast, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

According to the fatwa, the believers should do more to lend a hand to the needy, orphans, elderly people, etc. in this special month, and should avoid excessive use of food at Iftar times. The most virtuous deeds in Ramadan are complete recitation of the Koran, Dua from parents, commemoration of the deceased, showing respect for the people of knowledge and virtue, and promoting dialogue, friendship, and mutual respect among people.

As usual, the CMO, in collaboration with the ANAS Astrophysical Observatory, has prepared a special calendar for the start of Ramadan, daily prayer times, and the dates of the holiday as well as a booklet on Duas specific of the holy month.

According to the fatwa, Eid al-Fit â€“ the Ramadan holiday â€“ falls on the 1st of Shawwal â€“ the 6th of July.

In Azerbaijan the religious holidays â€“ Ramadan and Eid al-Adha are celebrated at the state level, which is a manifestation of respect and attention of the Azerbaijani state towards religious values, the fatwa reads.