Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the chairman of the Clerical Office of Caucasus Muslims has hosted the Iftar ceremony on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the Iftar ceremony, which took place at Sheikh-ul-Islam’s residency on July 11.

The event kicked off with the recitation of verses from the Quran.

Addressing the ceremony, Pashazade expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for accepting the invitation to attend the Iftar ceremony organized on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Other speakers including head of the Baku and Caspian Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexander and chairman of the Religious Community of the Mountain Jews of Baku Milikh Yevdayev praised tolerance in Azerbaijan, and the country's contributions to developing interreligious dialogue.

Later, the head of state addressed the event.

Then Iftar was served.

The Holy Ramadan month commenced on June 18.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic principles. They are to strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to purify their lives, thoughts, and emotions.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islamic religion and one of its main practices. The resulting hunger is seen as a means of developing sympathy for the less fortunate, while learning to be humble and appreciate all of God's bounties.

Ramadan, also known as the “Sultan of Eleven Months,” brings worshippers closer together around one table, and teaches them love for God, love for life as presented by God to each being, and to share both material and moral wealth.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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