Azerbaijan begins Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan’s start date may differ from country to country and is related to the moon sight.
Ramadan is a very unique and special month in Islam. During this time Muslim fast to feel hunger and see how the very poor feel, therefore developing a deeper empathy with others human beings. Ramadan is deeply linked to the life of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.
Islam is the most diffused religion in Azerbaijan (Muslims in Azerbaijan account for 97% over a 10 million population), and the country has officially celebrated Ramadan since 1993, after the independence from the Soviet Union.
Generally, during Ramadan in Azerbaijan, everything continues to work as usual as the country has a secular society, with religion having less influence on daily lives.
This year, however, Ramadan will be observed under quarantine rules. This will not alter the purpose of the holy month in redirecting attention to spiritual matters, devotion, and worship.
After a day of fasting, Muslims have an evening meal called Iftar, where water and dates are traditionally served in the first place. Azerbaijan is a very sociable country and usually, if there was no emergency, many people would have joined together in private houses for Iftar.
All mosques are currently closed. The Heydar Masjid, the largest mosque of South Caucasus in Baku, will be closed too. Celebrations then, due to safety measures, will not take place in the traditional way.
In this special time, and due to the international emergency, old people, pregnant women, and those who are not in full health are not required to observe fasting during Ramadan.
Ramadan in Azerbaijan started on April 25. The holy month will last for 30 days this year, and according to the calendar, the Ramadan Bayram (the end of Ramadan) is expected to happen on May 24.