DUSHANBE, August 15, 2008, Asia-Plus — This year, Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins in Tajikistan on September 1 and will continue for 30 days until September 30, Salomatsho Shokirov, aid to head of the Shuroi Ulamo (Council of Religious Scholars), said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, the Shuroi Ulamo yesterday held a meeting to discuss preparations for Ramadan. Imam-khatibs from all regions of the country as well as state officials dealing with religious affairs attended the meeting.
The meeting participants set zakat, which serves as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived people, at rate of 250 somonis from 10,000 somonis. During the meeting, it was also noted that each person may donate 3 somonis (sadaqai fitr) during the month for vulnerable people.
In the Muslim calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Ramadan on the sunset of August 31.
The fourth pillar of Islam, which is fasting, is practiced during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat and sun-scorched ground. It is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, established in the year 638 CE. It is considered the most venerated, blessed and spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time; religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month.
