|
Ramazan, month of the fasting
What do we know about it?
The month of Ramazan began from November 16. The Holy book of Moslems says: «Oh, those who have come to believe, the fasting was ordered to you, like for those who have been before you; maybe you will be God-fearing’ for the counted out days; and for the number of other days for those of you who are ill or travelling. The ransom for those who aren’t able to do it is feeding the poor. Those who voluntarily undertake the blessing, will win. Fasting is good for you, if you know. The Ramazan is the month when Holy Koran was sent to guide people, and to explain and distinguish the right road, so you, who live in this month have to fast during this month, and those who are ill or travelling may fast a number of other days. Allah wishes for your relief, but not embarrassment, he wishes you to complete the number and glorify Allah for his leading you, maybe you will be grateful!». How to keep the fast? What spiritual meaning does it bear? What is zyakat Fitra? These questions are answered by the professor, Dr. of Philology, the Correspondent Member of Azerbaijan Academy of Science, the Member of Academy of Moslem right in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), the Dean of the theology faculty of Baku State University, Vasim Mamedaliyev.
- The Holy month of Ramazan was directed to Moslems in the second year of Hidjra ( year of 662). It teaches a man the concepts of sincere love to Allah, enables him to believe in his own will and patience, trains his vigilance and conscience.
-Who must keep the fast?
-Orudj is obligatory order for every sound adult Moslem.
-Who is the fast exempt?
-The pregnant and nursing women, if it is harmful for their health or the health of baby. However, they must fast in another time, and during the month of Ramazan they have to give the poor one kilo wheat (bread) for each non-fasting day.
Women may not keep fasting during the menstruation period. However, they have to compensate the postponed fasting later, once they got completely recovered.
People of elder age, who are too old and weak to keep the orudj, are also fast exempt. In this case, they, have to give the one kilo bread or money to the poor Moslem, or feed one needy man for each non-fasting day.
People who during their illness experience unusual thirst may also be fast exempt, and they have to give one kilo wheat to the poor.
-What should a man do if he has for whatever reason violated the rules of the fasting?
-Let’s assume that a man came to the market and having forgotten about the fast he tasted some fruit. In this case his orudj is still accounted. He may proceed with keeping it, but must be more attentive.
-Is swallowing the saliva possible during the orudj?
-Swallowing the saliva is not a violation.
-May the orudj be kept by a person who is not performing the namaz (not praying)?
-Of course, it is desirable that people perform the namaz and keep the orudj. However, if they don’t pray, their orudj is still accepted, as keeping the orudj will bring him one day to performing the namaz.
- Quite often people having certain disease promise that they will keep the orudj if they get recovered. Is it correct?
-Keeping the orudj during the month of Ramazan is the duty of each Moslem. The person who has promised himself to keep the fast should do it in any other time, besides the month of Ramazan.
-If a man has violated the rules of the orudj, is it possible to atone for the sin?
-He must pay the kefarre (ransom for the deliberate violation). Such a person should cook the dinner twice a day to feed 60 people, or keep continuous fasting for 61 days (60 days as a yield to temptation+1 day for the missed day).
-When and how the iftar is performed?
-The iftar may be started after the evening pray. It would be desirable to perform the namaz to be followed by opening the iftar by any good and pious meals. The meals should be as light as possible.
-What is the size of zyakat Fitra?
- In the last day of the month of Ramazan, Moslems having prayed the evening namaz must give zyakat Fitra. It is equal to three kilos of wheat (bread) or its monetary equivalent per a family member.
-Who should zyakat Fitra be given to?
-Zyakat Fitra is given to people, experiencing financial difficulties. It is given, first of all, to the poorest relative or neighbour.
UNICEF Annual Session to be held 28-10 November
An annual report session of UNICEF representatives in Azerbaijan will be held on November 28-30th.
As Media Press has learnt in the office of UNO Children’s Fund, that the UNICEF’s working activity in the republic in 2001 will be discussed at the meeting. The organization plans to continue realization of five programs on children’s rights protection, and organization of new seminars on this and other matters, as well.
Representatives of the UNO UNICEF Head Office, government, ministries of health, education, labor and social protection of the population, youth, sport and tourism, and others UNICEF collaborates with in realization of the programs, are supposed to take part in the report session.
Number of field engineers to increase
Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Actions together with non-governmental organization “Dayag” selected candidates for “The basis of mine-clearing” training courses.
At present, 34 candidates are being taught in the regional center of the agency located in Horadiz villiage of Fizuli region which was earlier occupied by Armenian armed sub-units. Theoretical and practical training on mine-clearing are being held by British specialists.
After completing the courses 20 field engineers and one physician out of 34 candidates will be selected by examination.
|
e-mail: webmaster@media-az.com