The first day of the fasting month of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims on Thursday. Traditionally this holy month for Islam is celebrated by believers in Moscow and all over Russia with numerous social, charitable, cultural and educational events.
Ramadan is the most important month of the year for the followers of Islam; it is devoted to the presentation of the Quran: Prophet Muhammad received a revelation from the archangel Jabrail, which became the basis of the holy book. During the month of fasting, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during the day, as well as renounce entertainment and marital relations.
"According to the lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan in 2023 begins at sunset on March 22. March 23 should be considered the first day of fasting and April 20 the last day. This year's Uraza Bayram (Festival of Breaking the Fast - TASS) will be held on April 21," the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia (DUM), citing the report of the Council of Ulema (religious scholars), said.
Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, head of Russia's DUM, sent a message to believers on the beginning of Ramadan, blessing them for fasting. "For us Ramadan is the best guest, bringing great blessing and joy to the believers. <...> I pray Almighty Allah to strengthen our faith and teach us great patience during these holy days and to spend every minute of it in righteousness, helping the poor and needy, orphans and those in hardship," Gaynutdin said in his appeal, which was distributed by the press service of the Russian DUM.
Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Samigullin earlier specified that servicemen, who take part in a special military operation (SMO) and practice Islam, may not fast during Ramadan, postponing it to a later date. According to Samigullin, this is allowed under the rules of Islam in relation to soldiers, as well as in some other difficult cases.
Mufti of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Moscow region (a part of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia) Denis Mukhutdinov reported that the Spiritual Assembly organizes special iftars ("the fast-breaking evening meal") in hospitals near Moscow, including the A. A. Vishnevsky hospital, for soldiers who undergo rehabilitation there after taking part in the special military operation. Mukhutdinov noted that despite the fact that Muslim servicemen are under medical treatment after being wounded and therefore, according to the rules of religion, are not obliged to fast, they are nevertheless "eager to do so."
Ramadan Tent - 2023
Traditionally, on the square in front of the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow a large-scale cultural and educational project "Ramadan Tent" will work, including a festival of cultures and traditions of different peoples.
"Ramadan Tent - 2023" this year is timed to coincide with the Year of Teacher and Mentor, it will be held under the motto "Mentoring. Be a Good Example."
More than 20 regions of Russia and 10 countries including the UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Iran, Indonesia and CIS countries will present their programs during the XVIII "Ramadan Tent". The organizers are expecting at least 45,000 guests, and the "Tent" sites will be spread over an area of 800 square meters.
"During the evenings of the "Ramadan Tent" guests will meet with famous spiritual and intellectual mentors from Russia and all over the world. <...> Every day, on a special stand, the honorary guests of the "Tent" will set up the installation elements, unifying the key values of the month of Ramadan. On the opening evening of March 22, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin placed the first element of the installation - the word "Mercy", the press service of the Russian mufti added.
The organizers invite the followers of other religious traditions, government officials, artists and cultural figures, athletes, businessmen, public figures and journalists to visit the "Ramadan Tent". The cultural program will take place before the fasting inside the tent with video broadcasting.
"Ramadan Kerim" and iftars
The Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation also announced the "Ramadan Kerim 2023" campaign in Moscow and the Moscow region, which will start accepting applications from those in need to receive food packages on March 23. The campaign has been held since 2020 with the blessing of Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, and the support of benefactors.
Applications will be accepted at the call-center, created in Moscow, by number +7(495)150 16 70 every day from 10:00 to 18:00. Food delivery will be organized on the territory of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Delivery of kits on the territory of Moscow region will be carried out by volunteers.
The Religious Board also reported that during Ramadan charity fasting meals will be held at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Hot Iftar dinners will also be distributed in the Historical and Memorial Mosques of the capital.
As in previous years, the "Ramadan Kerim 2023" campaign will be held in all Russian regions. It is coordinated by the regional Religious Boards of Muslims and Muslim communities under the jurisdiction of the DUM of the Russian Federation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Mücahit Yıldız/Pixabay
Based on materials from TASS