Sheikh Pashazade calls on Akhunds to promote patriotism

A press conference on the holy month of Ramadan which begins on July  21, and fasting (Orudjlug), took place on Tuesday in the  Caucasus Muslim Department  (CMD).  However, during a conversation with reporters, Sheikh  Allahshukur Pashazade unexpectedly spoke about the use of religion against the state. According to him, there are such forces in the north and south of the country.

    "Some forces want to use religion against our state," he said.

   He also said that Ramadan is a good opportunity for religious enlightenment. He recommended Akhunds  to dedicate Friday  namaz  to specific topics recommended by the CMD.

    The Sheikh also recommended that religious leaders "in the interests of the state"  cooperate  with local offices of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations and bodies of executive power.

   The head of state committee, Elshad Iskandarov, said that the state relies on the contribution of religious leaders in the liberation of religion and obscurantism.

    In his view, religion should  avoid themes causing the split, and should strive more for unification efforts. According to him, in the Friday sermons in mosques, along with educational topics a place should be given to patriotic themes.

     The press conference  announced Fatwa  of the  Council of Qadi of the CMD on the occasion of Ramadan, and distributed a calendar with the schedule of the beginning and ending of fasting during Ramadan.—05C06--