For Muslims, Ramadan month of strict fasting begins

Starting August 1, Muslims began a month of strict fasting, called Ramadan. This is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, when Muslims should to keep fasting starting from morning namaz (prayer) at dawn till the time of the evening namaz after sunset.

During the month of Ramadan faithful Muslims are strictly forbidden to use food and water during daylight hours. Only sick patients, pregnant and breastfeeding women have a right not to keep fasting. If a person is very sick or old and cannot withstand fasting, in expiation he must feed the poor on the day.

In Chechnya, Muslims, in contrast to the other countries, begin Ramadan starting August 2. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Igor Alekseev, an orientalist and historian, the director of scientific programmes of the Marjani Foundation, an expert on the history and culture of Islam and the Orient, this fact is associated with the different methods of determining the timing of the full moon. "There are two ways: either to believe those Muslims who saw the full moon and celebrate with them, or wait until you see the full moon by yourself, and it can happen later," explained the Islam scientist.

For example, a bad weather can be the reason for the late full moon. "The Chechen Mufti has decided to wait until he sees the moon, and not to trust the Arabian Muslims; thus, the controversy occurred," said Igor Alekseev.

These "controversy" occurs every year. According to the expert, this is "normal domestic situation", and he found it difficult to remember when all Muslims around the world celebrated Ramadan at the same time. "No one should look for the political reasons of the incident and make far-reaching conclusions. Muslims will not be quarrelling for this fact," the expert said.