Ramadan is one of the five requirements (or pillars) of Islam. During each of its 30 days, devout Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. During this time they are supposed to abstain from food, drinking liquids, smoking, and sexual relations.
Though many have stopped fasting in recent years, and are turned off by the hypocrisy and rudeness that is pervasive through the month, others have become more serious about religion during this time. Many attend the evening prayer services and do the other ritual prayers. Some even read the entire Quran (about a tenth the length of the Bible). This sincere seeking makes it a strategic time for us to pray for them.
This year, Ramadan overlaps with Novruz--the Persian New Year holiday--on March 21. Novruz is a time for family and friends to come together. People visit each other's homes, exchange gifts, and share meals. On the last Tuesday before Novruz, known as "Chershenbebe," people traditionally jump over bonfires to purify themselves and symbolically leave behind the hardships of the past year.
Whether Azerbaijanis observe Ramadan or celebrate Novruz, this is an especially heightened time of spiritual seeking.
