Skopje, 20 March 2026 (MIA) – Islamic believers in the country 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 Ramadan Bayram, 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.

“During the holiday, may we resume on the path of goodness we opened in Ramadan. May we be the people of peace, justice and solidarity in our families, in our society wherever we live. May Allah turn this holiday into a source of peace, well-being and happiness for all,” Fetai says in his greeting amongst other things.

MIA file photo