I congratulate the Muslims of Azerbaijan and the world who have attained the bliss of the blessed Ramazan (Eid al-Fitr) ceremony, the cherished day of the Islamic world. I pray to Almighty Allah for the acceptance of our fasts and the granting of your supplications.
Eid al-Fitr—Ramazan ceremony—is a blessed day in the Muslim world where mercy, brotherhood, solidarity, and goodness converge. Our Exalted Lord places great value on the essence of Ramadan in the Holy Verse: "The month of Ramazan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed—a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)" (Al-Baqara, 185). We, the Muslims of Azerbaijan, thank Almighty Allah for His mercy in allowing us to reach the bounties and blessings of Ramadan and express our profound gratitude to the Head of our State, His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, for elevating this blessed day to the level of a nationwide holiday.
This year’s Ramazan ceremony holds even greater significance and marks important developments for us. We thank Allah that every new Ramazan promotes the successful development of our state and nation, the continuation of our path to Victory, and the conquering of new international heights. As a result of the extraordinary efforts of our Head of State, our country has today become a nation that implements major international projects and hosts such prestigious international forums as the COP29 dedicated to global climate issues, the Baku meeting of World Religious Leaders, and the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. Azerbaijan has justly earned the right to have a decisive voice in the world's political arena. Our nation views the guarantee of this progress in the victorious state policy and wise reforms implemented with the strong will of our Honourable Head of State, President Ilham Aliyev, and commends the increasing success achieved in every sphere. These victories are a source of pride and our gratitude to our Lord for accepting our constant prayers.
Dear compatriots! Ramazan, the month of forgiveness and reward, instils patience, compassion, benevolence, and mutual aid in humankind. It is the duty of every Muslim during these blessed Eid days, for the sake of the Creator, to remember and please their parents, visit relatives, show care for the families of Martyrs and Ghazis, demonstrate compassion for the orphaned, the destitute, and those in need, and reconcile those who are estranged.
According to information provided by the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the first day of the month of Shawwal—Ramazan ceremony (Eid al-Fitr)—coincides with March 30th of the Gregorian calendar, inshallah (God willing). The time for Fitra Zakat, which is one of the important acts of fasting, begins after the sunset prayer on the last day of Ramadan—the evening of the Eid. Based on the Fatwa of the Council of Qazis of the Caucasus Muslims Board, it is recommended that Fitra Zakat be paid at 10-15 manats per person. Fitra is the charity of the soul, and it is mandatory for every capable Muslim to give Fitra Zakat for every member of their family to those who are poor and needy. This allows every family to experience the joy of the ceremony. We note that Eid prayers will be performed in all mosques of Azerbaijan, inshallah. In Baku, the time for the Eid prayer has been set for 08:00 at the Ajdarbay Mosque and 09:00 at the Tazapir Mosque.
Once again, we sincerely congratulate all Muslims worldwide, and particularly our people, on the blessed ceremony of Eid al-Fitr and extend our best wishes. May Almighty Allah accept all our prayers and supplications and always be our helper! May all the sublime wishes and intentions of our people, whose hearts are filled with the love of Allah, come true, inshallah! May our Exalted Lord keep our independence eternal, our Head of State victorious, and our people triumphant forever! May Allah protect Azerbaijan! AMIN.