The holy month of Ramadan is upon us and the first İftar (or breaking of the fast) will be held today.

The first taraweeh prayer of Ramadan, one of the three months of great importance for Muslims, was performed last night at mosques across the country.

The first sahur was held this morning at 4.34 am and the first iftar, or fast breaking, will be held tonight at 6.00 pm.

The last sahur and the last iftar will be held on Tuesday, April 9.

The first day of Ramazan Bayramı or Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs determined Zakat al fitre as ₺180.

Meanwhile, the head of the Department of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ünsal issued a message to mark the start of Ramadan.

He wrote that in this blessed month, in addition to worship and fasting everyone should read the Holy Qur’an abundantly, help those in need and take part in iftar (fast breaking) events that are instrumental in social cohesion and reinforce the feelings of brotherhood.

He called on all to pray for the oppressed people of the world, especially our brothers and sisters in Gaza.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our people on the holy month of Ramadan and ask Allah Almighty to grant us the opportunity to reach Eid with peace and abundant spiritual gains” wrote Ünsal.