англ №40

№40, July 2017
Congratulations on Eid al-Fitr!
The holiday of Eid al-Fitr, also known as Uraza Bayram, is a festival of Muslim nations. It is preceded by a 30-day
fasting, which begins on the first day of the new moon of the month of Ramadan (or Ramazan). As people say, it was this
month that Mohammed entered the defeated Mecca and the Muslims received the Quran.
The word «Ramadan» means «scorching heat», which means that this month, while people keep fasting, they «burn»
all their sins. The door of hell is shut and the door of paradise is open. Only pregnant women and nursing mothers, sick,
travelers and military personnel do not have to observe the fasting.
Along with the fasting, Islam states that Muslims should do good things, feed the hungry, invite at least one fasting
man and feed him or her. This dinner can be not luxurious, and it is not necessary to serve it for a lot of people. It will be
enough to feed just one person. If the host is poor, it is enough just to give the guest some water.
Every day of the fast is devoted to prayers, reading the Quran, devotional thoughts and work. This month, you can
beg the Almighty forgiveness for your sins and prepare yourself for any future trials.
The lunar fast ends on the night of divine appointment and feast of breaking the fast. This is the night of «determining
human destinies, the night of power». It is believed that this particular night Allah determines the fate of each person for
the whole year.
For each believer this holiday means sharing the common joy of people of the same religion. It is also a good
opportunity to replenish the spiritual experience. The feast of breaking the fast for a Muslim is, first and foremost, the
farewell to the blessed days of the month of Ramadan, when each Muslim was given a good opportunity to grow
spiritually, to curb passions by fasting, reach piety, and help those in need.
The editorial board of the magazine «Viva Ukraine» congratulates all Muslims on the bright holiday of Eid al-Fitr. We
wish the Almighty to accept your fasting and to listen to your prayers and give your family and friends health and peace.
Congratulations from the President to the Muslims of Ukraine
Dear compatriots!
I congratulate you on Uraza Bayram, the holiday that marks the end of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
It symbolizes commitment to family values, responsiveness to those in need, mercy and reconciliation. These immutable
virtues bring people together, preserve peace and harmony.
I wish you and your family good health, harmony and wealth. May the blessed hour of the holiday fill your hearts with
the warmth of love, give you joy and bring success in all good deeds.
26