As the month of Ramazan comes to an end, Muslims all around the world celebrate the last day as Eid Ul Fitr. In Azerbaijan this day is known as Ramazan Bayram. Those who have fasted the whole month with pure heart, break the fast after seeing the full moon, by exchanging gifts and sweets among families as they come together to celebrate the festival that lasts 2 days. Prayers are offered at mosques and after that everybody then greets each other with “Id-Mubarak”.

During the month of Ramadan you will not even notice any changes in daily life of Azeri people. 99% of bars and cafes are open. Many local people even eat/drink at outdoor cafes during daylight hours. The only issue might be Eid (the end of Ramadan) which is an extended national holiday where many people travel.

Ramadan (Ramazan)is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat or dryness. It is the Muslim month of fasting, in which Muslims refrain from dawn until sunset from eating, drinking, and sexual relations as well as, generally sinful speech and behavior.

According to Islam, the sawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month, they are believed to be multiplied. Muslim fasting in this month, typically, includes the increased offering of salat prayers and recitation of the Quran.