Dear fellow countrymen,

I cordially congratulate you and our compatriots over the world on the sacred holiday of Eid ul-Fitr and extend my sincerest wishes to each of you.

Ramadan is the sacred month when the Holy Koran was sent down. In this month, the month of unity, equity and benevolence and devotion to the religious values among the human beings, the Muslims have an opportunity to honestly pay back their debts to the Almighty, do their duty of conscience and obligations, experiencing the pleasure of victory of the spiritual richness and moral perfection over temptation.

Azerbaijan has always been one of the historical and cultural centers of the Islamic world, and for centuries the people of Azerbaijan have remained committed to their religious, national and moral values. In our country, the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, the state-religion relations were fully ensured in accordance with local legislation and international standards, and complex measures were taken to promote national-moral values in the independence years. I would with great pleasure note that the essential restoration of our historical-religious monuments - unique pearls of the Islamic culture - has been constantly continued. This year, the Shamakhi Juma Mosque - the first Muslim sanctuary in the South Caucasus, was restored, and is now functioning.

Ramadan, which radiates the human heart and soul with divine wisdom, is nearing its end. The citizens, who honourably stood the test of fasting, delightedly share the festive joy of the holiday, with prayers said for prosperity and progress of our state and for the peace of immortal souls of our shehids.

Dear sisters and brothers!

This year, we, as usual, proudly say farewell to the blessed Ramadan that embodies the triumph of the feelings of humanity, fraternity and solidarity. I once again, in these blessed days, express my solidarity with all of your benevolent prays and intentions, and wish your families welfare and abundance.

May Allah accept your fasting!

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 7 August, 2013