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Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, commences based on the lunar Islamic calendar and thus its start varies each year. In Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, the beginning of Ramadan is marked with religious fervor and cultural traditions.
The history of Ramadan dates back to 610 CE when Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Since then, observing Ramadan has become one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In Azerbaijan, which has a rich Islamic heritage, Ramadan was celebrated historically but faced restrictions during Soviet times. Post-independence in 1991, there has been a revival in observing Ramadan traditions.
On the first day of Ramadan:
Fasting: From dawn until sunset, people abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs. The fast (sawm) is broken with an evening meal called iftar.
Prayer: Increased prayers (salat) and recitation of the Quran are observed throughout the month. The nighttime prayer called Tarawih is also an essential part of Ramadan evenings.
Charity: Acts of charity (zakat) are highly encouraged during this time to help those in need.
Community: Families often gather to break their fast together at iftar times and there's a sense of camaraderie as people share meals.
Azerbaijanis engage in various cultural activities such as:
Preparation of Traditional Foods: Special dishes and sweets like plov, dolma, baklava, and shekerbura are prepared for iftar.
Decoration: Homes and mosques are adorned with lights and decorations to celebrate the holy month.
The commencement of Ramadan in Azerbaijan is embraced with deep religious significance and cultural expressions that reflect both personal devotion and community bonding among Azerbaijani Muslims.