Skopje, 30 March 2025 (MIA) – Islamic believers in North Macedonia and all across the world celebrate Ramadan Bayram, the end of the holy month of fasting.

Ramadan, a term which literally means “scorching” in Arabic, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this period, Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual activities from sunup to sundown. They can eat and drink after sunset, except for pork and alcohol, which they are not supposed to consume anyway.

Ramadan was established as a Holy Month for Muslims after the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 AD on the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr, frequently translated as “the Night of Power.” Observance of Ramadan is mandated in the Quran.

The very day of Bayram celebration begins with a Ramadan-Bayram prayer, followed by a visit to the cemetery, where people pay respect to deceased ancestors and relatives. Congratulations on the holy day begin afterwards, firstly to the eldest (kissing the hand). Younger people always pay the visit to older ones. There are traditional dishes for the festivity (Bayram meat, alanditi and baklava). The celebration lasts for three days.

On the occasion of the holiday, the head of the Islamic Religious Community, Reis-ul-Ulema Shaqir Fetai, sent his greetings to the faithful of the Islamic faith, expressing wishes and praying.

Throughout the month, he said, our hearts were filled with faith and knowledge, raising moral, respect, solidarity, humanity, tolerance and peace.

“May this holiday serve as an opportunity to strengthen our ties with others, to express love and respect toward our families, to lend a hand for reconciliation and to care for those who need help,” said the greeting. 

The first day of Ramadan Bayram is a public holiday in North Macedonia.

MIA file photo