DUSHANBE, October 10, Asia-Plus --  Tajik President 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 October 10, 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.

            The head of state noted that the best manifestation of charity will be support for vulnerable families. 

            Rahmon said that during the holy month of Ramadan, clerics’ discussions are dedicated to propagation of ideas of unity and humanism.   

The president stressed that mosques as holy place for Muslims should be used for explaining significance of unity of people but not to turn into tribune for propagating ideas of extremism, opposing Muslims [to other peoples] and other prejudices.

            According him, there are not a few people in the country who support disabled people, elderly people who have no relatives and orphaned children.

“For centuries, our people has 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.