Islam is the second largest religion after Christianity, professed by the population of Russia, because in the country there are different regions whose inhabitants are traditionally Muslims. This is mainly the North Caucasus republics of Ingushetia, Chechnya, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia and Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and several others.
Sometimes in Russia between suhoor (morning meal before fasting during the day — approx. ed.) and iftar (the evening meal after sunset — approx. ed.) can be up to 22 hours, which definitely makes this post one of the longest in the world.
In Russia, unlike most Muslim countries in the Holy month of Ramadan, adherents of this religion continue to live a normal life, without holidays or changes in the duration of the working day.
Despite the differences in customs and traditions during lent, the Muslims of the Russian companies aspire to pray in the mosques, especially the Tarawih prayer (special prayer performed in Ramadan after Isha ‘ prayer until dawn — approx. ed.). In this country the ceremonies and rituals during Ramadan differ from region to region. In the main Russian mosques in 30 days this month are studying the Holy Quran.
Another feature and tradition during the Holy month in Russia is that people put on the table for iftar, invite their friends and acquaintances, as well as one who reads the Koran and knows the history of Islam that he had preached.
In the capital Moscow every year on the occasion of fasting during the Holy month, the Council of Muftis of Russia will organize “Ramadan Tent” near the Memorial mosque on Poklonnaya hill. Every day there is going up to 600 people of different nationalities, who all together proceed to the iftar, as well as free of charge for the various services provided by the employees of this marquee. There you can try the traditional Muslim dishes, and the children also to participate in competitions of Holy Quran read.
© RIA Novosti, Mikhail Fomichev | go to fotomontaggi charitable “Ramadan Tent” was opened in Moscow
In Dagestan, Muslims gather in the Grand mosque in the capital and the largest city in the region, Makhachkala — in order to make iftar and Tarawih prayer. Here Muslims prefer to start iftar with dates and fruit, and then eat soup, bread and various traditional local dishes such as beshbarmak and Kurz.
In Chechnya Muslim families prefer to eat the traditional food of the Holy month, because it is more useful because it contains more vitamins and consists mostly of green vegetables. Meals Chechens in Ramadan are prepared with garlic and nettles, while hot spices, onions, garlic and pepper.
© RIA Novosti news Agency, said tsarnayev | go to fotoangelo “Heart of Chechnya” named after Akhmad Kadyrov in Grozny
The government of Chechnya encourages the feuding families to make peace this month. Sometimes even forming ad hoc committees that contribute to the resolution of disputes between them.
In Tatarstan, the Muslim who is unable for any reason to fasting, sacrifices every day during the Holy month hundred rubles.
A drink of licorice, dates, carob are traditional and are especially in demand during Ramadan, especially in the Arab countries. One of the favorite soft drinks of Russian during the Holy month is considered brew, it can help overcome thirst. In some regions of Russia the sale of alcoholic beverages during Ramadan is prohibited.
