Azerbaijanis mark holy Ramadan holiday

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to end – “The Sultan of Eleven Months” – as it is also called, will be celebrated in Azerbaijan for the next two days on July 17 and 18.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan was conceived the second year of Hegira, whereby Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina.

Ramadan teaches the faithful to love Allah, to test their will and patience, and to be wiser and more honest.

The Koran was bestowed upon us as a guide for mankind during the final 10 days of this month.

Muslims refer to this night as the Laylat Al-Qadr, meaning the great, powerful night. The Koran says, “The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees. Peace! till the rise of Morning (97:1-5).”

The history of fasting in Ramadan starts when the Prophet Muhammad determined the holy month in Medina during the second year of pilgrimage.

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 in 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."

Fasting is completed with holiday of 'Eid al-Fitr.' On this day, it is required that all wealthy Muslims aid the less fortunate.

‘Zakat al-Fitr’ is the term for charity given to the poor at the end of the fasting. Depending on the financial wealth of the family, Zakat should include three kilograms of wheat, barley, raisins, dates or rice for each family member.

Residents of Turkey and a majority of Muslims around the world are preparing to embrace the end of Ramadan feast after a month of fasting on July 17, while some are set to celebrate it on July 18, Anadolu Agency reported.

Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda have announced July 17 as the first day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday after seeing the new moon on Thursday.

Other countries including Iraq, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are to start the holiday on July 18.