“There are followers of a variety of religions in Azerbaijan, especially those of the Shiite and Sunni denominations of Islam. Unlike other places in the world, the followers of these two denominations sometimes perform Salah in the same mosque. However, there still needs to be some agreement between the two denominations regarding issues like the times of Iftar and Sahur. But with the help of our scholars, I believe we will be able to reach a common agreement in this regard. As an independent state, Azerbaijan has the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory, and we will solve the issue of calendar by ourselves. Your support in this regard is necessary as well,” said the CMO chairman.
Allahshukur Pashazade said Azerbaijan’s Muslim population is believed to be approximately 35% Sunni and 65% Shiite, and that this type of meetings are vital in terms of sectarian rapprochement.
“Clerics fail to come to a common decision concerning issues of discord, so we need to refer to scientific results. Azerbaijan has an astrophysical observatory in Shamakhy, with which the CMO work to compile the religious calendar. We have learned the opinions of some Turkish experts. Iranian scholars helped us as well. In the last two days, we held meetings at the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory on calendars,” he stated.
Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Ayeen said at the meeting that Iran is ready to offer help regarding this issue.
Director of Shamakhi-based Tusi Astrophysical Observatory named after N. Tusi under the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), associate member of ANAS Eyyub Guliyev spoke about the observatory and works being carried out to prepare the religious calendar.
“There’s no major difference among the methods used to define the religious calendar. We’re in need of a lot more such meetings,” said Eyyub Guliyev.
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