Holy month of Ramadan starts in Azerbaijan

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has begun.

The 1st day of Ramadan falls this year on March 23 under the Gregorian calendar according to the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports.

The Caucasus Muslim Board has issued a fatwa on the beginning of fasting for Muslims.

According to the Islamic religion, in the daytime during Ramadan, you can not eat, drink, smoke, etc. These prohibitions do not apply to children, the sick, pregnant women and those who are fighting at the front or are away from home.

Fasting begins with the new moon in the month of Ramadan and lasts 29-30 days. The Qur'an says: "Eat and drink until dawn, until the time when the white thread will be different from the black; then fast until night."

According to the special calendar of the month of Ramadan prepared by the Caucasus Muslim Board, the first night of Predestination ("Night of Ahya") will fall on 19 (night from 18 to 19), the second - on 21 (night from 20 to 21), the third - on 23 (night from 22 to 23) and the last - on April 27.

The first day of the month of Shawwal (April 21) is Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan). According to the relevant resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ramadan holiday will be celebrated in Azerbaijan on April 21 and 22.

It should be noted that the fatwa of the Caucasus Muslim Board, during the month of Ramadan, which is a time of mercy and compassion, is the organisation of iftars, charity, providing assistance to the needy, homeless, orphanages, and the elderly as far as possible. Reading the Qur'an, taking care of parents, and engaging in enlightenment and worship are considered the greatest virtues this month.