"Ramadan is said to be the best of months"

Our wise poet Magtymguly Pyragy praised this holy month, saying: "Ramadan is said to be the best of months." The first advantage of Ramadan to be noted is the beginning of the revelation of the verses of the Holy Quran, the sacred book of Muslims and a guide for humanity. The name of this month is also closely associated with fasting (oraza) in the minds of the people. The word "oraza" is used in two senses: the ritual of fasting, and when combined with the word "month," it refers to the month of Ramadan itself. Fasting, which has been practiced since the 7th century and is considered the "zakat of the body," increases the value of the month of Ramadan. Children performing "yaremezan" visit houses with great joy, announcing the birth of the new Moon. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast and perform tarawih prayers. This month is a time when unity, solidarity, peace, respect for parents and elders, and humanism prevail.

In this regard, Hero Arkadag in his book "The Meaning of My Life" aptly notes: "The month of Oraza is a month of humanism, charity, forgiveness, mutual aid, humanity, unity, respect, and moving away from bad habits to gain beneficial ones." Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting directs a person toward worship, encourages compassion, and helps to control the ego (nafs) while refraining from bad habits. In this holy month, the reward for giving alms (sadaka), paying zakat from one's wealth, and providing iftar for those who fast or preparing food for those waking up for suhoor (selalik) is very great. The Prophet noted in one of his hadiths: "Fast, and your body will be strong and healthy!" Indeed, fasting is the healer of the heart, body, and soul.

Another feature of this month is the celebration of the blessed Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power). The Night of Power falls on the night between the 26th and 27th of Ramadan. It is emphasized that the Surah "Al-Qadr" of the Holy Quran was revealed on this very night. People have great hopes for this night, which is considered better than a thousand months, when angels descend to earth, and sins are forgiven. People say kind words to each other and pray for family unity and prosperity. After the completion of the month of Ramadan, our people gather in mosques to perform the Eid prayer and express their pure wishes: "May your fast and prayers be accepted! May you reach future years in health, peace, and unity! May our country be peaceful and our sky be clear!" This is the sublime worship of the Muslim ummah to draw closer to Almighty Allah.

May the holy month of Ramadan, welcomed with great enthusiasm in our year "Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan — the Land of Fulfilled Dreams on the Wings of Horses," bring prosperity, well-being, and endless happiness to every family! In this month where charity and humanism prevail, may the acts of worship, prayers, and alms offered for the tranquility of our people and the prosperity of our Motherland be accepted by the Almighty! May Hero Arkadag and our honorable President have good health and long lives, and may their great deeds of state importance always be crowned with success!