Muslims in Bulgaria Celebrate Ramazan Bayramı: A Festive Occasion of Unity and Tradition

Muslims worldwide and in Bulgaria celebrate Ramazan Bayramı also known as Eid al-Fitr - one of the two major holidays in Islam. It signifies the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, during which fasting occurs from sunrise to sunset.

Right after the prayer, men return home to find a sweet treat awaiting them. Following tradition, youngsters are encouraged to visit elderly relatives, while children seek forgiveness from their parents. The overarching desire is for tranquility and reconciliation.

Ramazan Bayramı spans three days, characterized by the exchange of visits and the customary dessert being 'baklava'. On this day, fasting is not permitted. Before the prayers, it is customary to provide monetary aid to the poor and the needy as an obligatory act of charity.

The central prayer at Haskovo's mosques commenced at 7:20 a.m. on April 10th, with the usual crowded scenes as people gathered, spilling outside due to limited space. Following the prayer, representatives from both Muslim and Christian communities convened in Haskovo for a symbolic gesture of unity over the traditional coffee of tolerance.

Regional Mufti Erhan Rejeb of Haskovo emphasized the importance of mutual respect and love among Muslims and Christians in Bulgaria, highlighting the unity within their shared living environment.

Grand Mufti Mustafa Haji underscores in his speech that Bayram serves as a unifying force, transcending religious or ethnic divides, and underscores the need for heightened unity and generosity in the present era. He further states that during this period, it is incumbent upon everyone to pray for the relief of global suffering and the safeguarding of our nation from calamities.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, preparations are underway for...