Tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan in Azerbaijan. This is stated in the fatwa issued by the Muslims of the Caucasus. However, in some countries - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen - the Ramadan fast began today. These countries declared February 18 as the first day of Ramadan based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
In Azerbaijan, some people have also started fasting from today, despite the official fatwa issued by the Caucasus Muslims Board.
But how correct is this? Is it acceptable to fast based on other countries?
The renowned religious figure, Akhund of Icherisheher “Juma” Mosque, Haji Surkhay Mammadli, stated in his declaration to Modern.az that the schedules of other countries should not be considered regarding the start day of the Ramadan fast:
“Today we are living the last day of the month of Sha'ban. The faithful people of Azerbaijan are fasting on this last day of Sha'ban. That is, this is not understood as a Ramadan fast, but rather as a meritorious fast. People observe such a fast as an opportunity to enter the month of drawing closer to Allah - Ramadan.
The Ramadan fast, however, begins tomorrow. A decision regarding this has been made by the Caucasus Muslims Board. InshaAllah, the fasts observed from tomorrow will be Ramadan fasts. However, some people are fasting today. Their fast is considered the fast of Sha'ban, not in the sense of Ramadan. Therefore, this is a merit, a drawing closer to Allah. I should also mention that many people have also observed today the make-up fasts for past Ramadans.
Azerbaijan has its own meridian line, geographical position, and horizon. We should not cite Qatar or Saudi Arabia as examples. Azerbaijan has its own Observatory. The information and schedule provided by the Observatory have already been shared. Eid al-Fitr will be on March 20. We will observe our fasts according to this calendar. All regions will also celebrate Ramadan according to this calendar. Together, we will celebrate and pray for our state, our people, and our nation. InshaAllah, with this, we will conclude Ramadan".
So, are the fasts of those who started fasting today accepted?
In response to our question, Haji Surkhay Mammadli said: "Whether a fast is accepted or not cannot be determined by humans. Human intellect, consciousness, and logic are incapable of someone standing up and saying, “yes, your fast is accepted or not accepted.” Only Allah Almighty accepts the fast. Because Ramadan is the month of Allah. If someone has fasted for the purpose of merit, and their intention was not a Ramadan fast, this is also meritorious and accepted by Allah. But our main topic is Ramadan. Ramadan, of course, will be observed day by day. And the intention will be for the Ramadan fast".
