For the Muslim community around the world, today marks the beginning of the sacred month of Ramadan, which many have been eagerly awaiting all year. This lunar calendar-bound celebration brings both fasting and reflection as believers abstain from food and water from dawn until sunset for 30 days. Ramadan serves as not only a time of personal growth but also collective prayer and charity.
According to reports, as citizens flock to mosques for communal prayers, the need for togetherness and reflection increases. The head imam of the mosque "Al-Islam" from the village of Misyagutovo reminded followers of the importance of the first suhoor, which occurred two hours before sunrise today. The time for iftar, when Muslims break their fast, is set for 18:54.
Welcoming the second day of Ramadan on March 2, 2025, the Administration of Muslims of the Caucasus (UMC) announced important timings for prayers: the time for imsak (pre-dawn meal) is 05:47, and iftar is expected at 18:48. The scheduled prayers include Subh azan at 05:52, Zuhr azan at 12:53, 'Aṣr azan at 16:50, Maghrib azan at 18:48, and 'Isha azan at 19:48, guiding faithful on their prayer rhythms throughout the holy month.
During this reflective season, Muslims recite special prayers, especially during imsak, such as: "Allahummə qərribni fihi ila mərzatik. Və cənnibni fihi min səxətikə və nəqimatik. Və vəffiqni fihi liqiraəti ayatik. Birəhmətikə ya ərhəmər-rahimin," which translates to: "O Allah! I am reminded to draw close to your pleasure this month, to stay away from Your anger, and to grant me success during this time to read your verses. O Most Merciful of the merciful!"
At iftar, believers express gratitude with another prayer: "O Allah! For You, I fasted, and with the provision you provided, I break my fast, and upon You, I place my trust. I consume what You have sent to me. O Forgiving One! Forgive my past and future sins!" Such recitations encapsulate the essence of Ramadan as not just about abstention from food, but also about purification of the soul and intention.
The imam at Sestyana's mosque, Ilgizar-khazrat Sagdeev, has urged young Muslims to seek guidance during Ramadan. The communal atmosphere often leads many to reconsider their place within the faith and remain diligent against common lapses. This year, Ramadan will end on March 29, culminating with the celebration of Urazabayram the following day, reinforcing the communal bonds formed through these weeks of fasting.
While the actual fasting begins with the evening of March 1, true reflection on the significance of Ramadan can influence practices year-round. Many local mosques have seen unprecedented attendance as families come together to partake in collective prayers. Ilgizar Yagfarovich emphasized the importance of fasting as not merely about physical abstaining but also about the purification of heart and intentions.
Those unable to fast due to health reasons are encouraged to help feed those less fortunate as part of their penance—typically expected to feed 30 deserving individuals over the course of the month. Past experiences warn about pitfalls: accidental slips like taking even one drink have differing interpretations, dependent on intentions when broken commands occur.
For many, Ramadan is as much about connecting with their communities as it is about personal devotion. Reports have indicated an influx of believers, including many newcomers from abroad, who now participate heavily, enriching the breadth of communal prayers and celebrations. These gatherings create inclusivity and strengthen bonds among participants, sometimes translating the prayers for those still learning.
Throughout, men and women are often encouraged to join together under the holy atmosphere, though traditionally, family roles differ within the faith community. Recognizing the significance of gender roles during Ramadan puts emphasis on women's abilities to nurture faith, often leading educational discussions on the Quran or other important subjects.
Indeed, Ramadan also serves as a time for the faithful to reevaluate their lives, shedding harmful habits just as one sheds the necessity of food and water. The mosque’s message integrates both ancient teachings and contemporary encouragement, reminding all bills of conduct encompass respect for oneself and others. "Fasting is the shield by which the servant of Allah protects himself against fire," Ilgizar Sadeev remarked, emphasizing the need for mindfulness and reflection.
Beginning the holy month sets the tone for what is expected to be not only spiritually charged but also filled with community sharing during evenings. Groups of families prepare evenings together, often coming to the mosque for collective prayers and sharing their evening meals. Essences of interdependence grow as believers lean on each other for guidance and strength, development achieved through mutual aid.
So as the first few days of Ramadan pass, excitement mounts within the faithful, and the solemn spirit of reverence permeates the prayers. Communities grow stronger, hearts open wider, and enriching experiences culminate each evening as the rich rituals and timings bring these adherents closer to their traditions.