12 August 2010, 12:00
Moslems of Caucasus start sacred Ramadan
On August 11, all the Moslems of the world, those in the Caucasus inclusive, started their Ramadan - the sacred month of fasting, prayers and pious deeds.
This year's Ramadan, which fell on mid-August, will be a trial for the believers, as during the long hot day (from dawn to sunset) they are not allowed to eat and drink.
Within the daytime Moslems are forbidden to smoke, do sex and devote themselves to amusements. After the evening prayer, there is time for light food, usually dates, nuts and dairy products. Harder food may be taken later.
Shortly before sunrise believers are awakened by drumbeat - to give them time to have a light breakfast. Sick people, travellers and pregnant women are allowed not to observe the fast.
As reported by Shirin Hunter, Professor at the Georgetown University and author of the book "Islam in Russia", about 20 million Moslem now live in Russia; of them over 4 million observe the Ramadan. Most of the Russian Moslems who observe the Ramadan live in Dagestan and other parts of Northern Caucasus, the Voice of America reports with reference to the scientist.
In Southern Caucasus Azerbaijan is a Moslem country. As reported by the "Trend", for the time of Ramadan several Azerbaijani opposition parties refused from mass protest actions.
