Residents of Chechnya are unhappy with later start of Ramadan

Today is the first day of Moslem fast. Traditionally, Chechnya starts the sacred month one day later than the rest of the Moslem world.

Answering why, an employee of the Chechen Muftiyat said that it was done "strictly according to the Shariat."

"The month of Ramadan is announced only on that night, when the young moon appears in the sky. The Muftiyat did it yesterday in complete conformity with the Shariat, after the young moon appeared. Those who think that it's wrong should take into account the time difference between Chechnya and Saudi Arabia," he said.

Many local residents express their discontent with the Chechen tradition to start Ramadan one day later than other Moslem countries and regions. "For some reason all over the world, as well as in the Caucasus, the first day of Ramadan was yesterday, but we have it only today. For example, I can't understand why the young moon could appear in Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and other places, but not here?" said Saipuddi N., a resident of Grozny.

"I began fasting from yesterday as it was done all over the world. The actions of our Mullahs who announce Ramadan one day later can cause nothing but rejection and surprise. It turns out that our Muftiyat and Mullahs understand Islam better than in Mecca or Medina! But the Sacred Koran forbids Moslems to split. And the fact that in our republic Ramadan is announced one day later - isn't it a split?" asks Khamad from Grozny.