Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend S.Agayeva / Together with the Shamahi Astrophysical Observatory, the Caucasus Muslim Department (CMD) has prepared a list of times for prayers, breakfast and commencement of the fast for Muslims who fast during the sacred month of Ramadan.
The Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim Department, Sheikh Ul Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazade, briefed the media on 28 August that the differences between the two groups of Islam will be put aside.
Imitating their Muslim brothers from Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the representatives of Sunni and Shiites groups of Islam in Azerbaijan have implemented the religious rites of Ramadan in various times for many years. "This decision by the CMD will resolve this problem," Pashazade said.
According to him, this year the fasting will begin on 13 September and the Ramadan holiday will be marked on 12-13 October. CMD has prayer books published which will be distributed free of charge.
Ramadan is a month of testing, change and hope for Muslims. Eating, drinking, smoking, having sexual relations, etc. are prohibited during the day in the month of Ramadan. Only the critically ill, pregnant women, old-age people, etc. are exempt from fasting.
The sacred month of Ramadan is a time for internal cleansing. It is believed that Allah (God) forgives them of any wrongdoing if they pray, read their prayer books and do charitable deeds. The night of the 27th of leylat-al-kadr (power night) is when Allah resolves the fate of the people.
During the month of Ramadan any form of entertainment events are cancelled.