Azerbaijan announces five days off to celebrate end of Ramadan

In Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr and the National Salvation Day, the authorities announced five days off from June 15 to June 19. On the eve of the Muslim holiday, believers described how they observed the fasting and discussed its meaning.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in Azerbaijan, the fasting of the month of Ramadan was started on May 16, and the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr fell on June 15.

On the long weekend, many residents of Azerbaijan planned trips to the regions of the country and neighbouring Georgia and Turkey.

In Azerbaijan, there is a tradition to arrange a festive table on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and visit graves of relatives. Besides, every family member is to donate money for Fitr.

According to Nariman Gasimoglu, the head of the Azerbaijan Centre for Religion and Democracy, a translator of the Koran, in Azerbaijan, Ramadan is often reduced to fasting and holding iftars (arrangements of festive tables), whereas at that time, it is necessary to study the Koran.

Meanwhile, not all believers observe the fasting in Azerbaijan. So, young man Samir says he considers himself a Muslim, but he does not observe the fasting.

"I tried to fast, but it was difficult. Especially if you study and work," the young man explained.

The philosophy of true Islam is to promote good, modesty, honesty, and decency, believes engineer Suleiman.

Elderly man Fikret, who works as a security guard, noted that he was invited to iftars three times this month.

"I am grateful to those people. It's not even about the fact that they feed us there. During a dinner, there are interesting conversations on the themes of religion, and we get to know new people," the elderly man said.