Chechen Muftiat declared month of Ramadan starting August 2

In Chechnya, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin on August 2, a day later than in the entire Muslim world. This decision was adopted by the Republic's Muftiat. Some believers are discontent with that decision.

Let us note that in the Muslim countries and in the most regions of Russia with a predominant number of the Muslim population the first day of Ramadan has already started today. Last year the beginning and end of the month of Ramadan in Chechnya was also declared a day later than in the entire Muslim world.

The Republic's Muftiat argues that announcement of the beginning of Ramadan in the republic has been made in compliance with all rules of the religion.

"We may announce the beginning of the month of Ramadan only in the night when a new moon appeared in the sky. If the new moon has not appeared in the sky before the night namaz (prayer), then the beginning of the month of Ramadan falls on the next day. Yesterday, the new month has not been observed over the territory of our republic, therefore, the beginning of Ramadan in our country will fall on August 2, "explained the representative of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot".

Meanwhile, the actions of the Republic's Muftiat cause discontent among the believers in Chechnya.

"This is not the first year when our republic represents a "maverick" concerning the issue of determining the date of the beginning of Ramadan.

In the entire world and in Russia all believers are unanimous in their opinion when to declare the month of Ramadan, and only our republic announces the beginning of Ramadan later than in other countries and even later than in the neighbouring republics. If the entire world and all the neighbouring republics announced that the beginning of Ramadan to fall on today, why in our republic the month of Ramadan should begin only tomorrow?" expresses his indignation a citizen of the republic Hussein I.

"Our mullahs keep saying that the religion forbids dividing, that the Muslims of the entire world should be united, and at the same time they themselves violate this postulate. Nobody knows what law our Muftiat follows, several sequent years announcing the beginning of Ramadan a day later than in the entire world. I do not know whether it is done out of ignorance or intentionally; however, in any case, this does not contribute to respect and prestige of our authorities and the Muftiat," said another local resident Beslan S.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its observance is obligatory for all Muslims except for the seriously ill ones and pregnant and breastfeeding women. During Ramadan Muslims undertake fasting during the day, doing alms, refraining from all sins, and spending free time reading the Koran. In Chechnya, during the month of Ramadan selling alcoholic beverages is prohibited, and cafes, restaurants and canteens are open only in the evening.