DUSHANBE, September 29, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon has congratulated Tajikistan’s Muslims on Id al-Fitr, a holy Muslim holiday, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
In a message of congratulations, posted on presidential website on September 29, Emomali Rahmon, in particular, noted that national independence of Tajikistan, creation of democratic, secular and rule-of-law society have created conditions for freedom of conscience and freely practicing religious rituals.
Reminding that the holiday of Id al-Fitr is a Muslim holy day of spiritual cleansing and bodily harmony and an opportunity to reach a higher spiritual and moral level based on a cleansing of the spirit, the president said the centuries-old Id al-Fitr marks the end of the great 30-day Muslim fasting, which strengthens such qualities in people as restraint, wisdom, tolerance, compassion and mercy.
Rahmon called on people to remember lessons of humanism of great ancestors and take efforts to ensure establishment of eternal peace and stability, national unity and wellbeing in Tajikistan.
“For centuries, our people have considered Id al-Fitr as an event embodying mutual understanding, equality and brotherhood, expression of good intentions and hopes and has strived for creating atmosphere of peace and stability,” said the president, “And we should continue this good tradition.”
The Islamic holiday of Id al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. Id al-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast, a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (‘Zakat al-Fitr’), everyone put on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.
