Penza, 18 June 2015. PenzaNews. The chairman of the Muslim spiritual directorate in the Penza region Islyav Dashkin has congratulated the believers with the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

“The Muslim world is meeting the beginning of the blessed month on June 18. May we dedicated this noble month to charity, forgiveness, schooling of ourselves and our relatives, and prayers for the people in tough times,” the mufti added.

“We ask the Allah for patience, mercy, and peace in all Earth. May the Almighty accept our fast, our prayers and pleas,” the press service of the Muslim spiritual directorate in the region quotes Islyam Dashkin.

The month of Ramadan is signified by an obligatory fast (sawm) for all Muslims, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Throughout the month, the Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking and engaging in sexual relations.

The month may last from 29 to 30 days. A celebration called Eid al-Fitr (known as Bayram, or Uraza-Bayram in Russia), or Feast of Breaking the Fast, is held on the first day of Sawwal, the next month after Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. Such rituals as a special Eid prayer and an obligatory act of charity accompany the day.