Ramadan, Iftar and Sohour

During  the holy month of Ramadan, the 9th month in the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims are supposed to go without food, drink, smoking, and intimacy, and to refrain from impure thoughts from sunrise to sunset. Breaking the fast together with family and friends is part of the Ramadan tradition. Special nightly prayers called, Taraweeh prayers are held and recited in Mosques and provide an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to God, and to look to Allah with fear and hope. Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and who seeks his reward from Allah is believed to have his past sins forgiven.

Prayers are set daily  around these times (although they vary slightly on a daily basis according to the lunar movements): (fajr) dawn (3:24 a.m.), (dhuhr) noon 12:01 p.m.), (asr) afternooon (3:38 p.m.), maghrib (sunset) 6:56 p.m.), and isha (evening) (8:26 p.m.).

The first meal  after the daily fast and as soon as the sun sets is called Iftar, and usually happens around 7 p.m. Traditionally, but not mandatory, 3 dates are also eaten to break the fast, in emulation of Prophet Muhamad who broke his fast in this manner. The one just before dawn is called Sohour, the last meal before the fast begins.

The Ramadan month ends with a day long celebration known as Eid el-Fitr, which may take place around 27 or 28 of July this year. The eid begins with a special morning prayer in grand Mosques and open grounds of towns and cities of the world; and the prayer is attended by men, women and children, traditionally with their new or best clothes. A special charity, known as Zakatul-Fitr is given out prior to the prayer. The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives and friends, giving gifts to children and eating together, including favorite desserts like kunafa ataif and bassbossa.

Feeding someone iftar is also a form of charity, especially towards the poor and the needy. In the news today, it was reported that Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi recently invited a group of super heavy weight businessmen for iftar aimed at raising additional resources to boost the national economy and lend support to the low income and poor categories of society. It is also an admirable practice for wealthier people, or restaurants/food establishments to prepare ready-to-go iftar food boxes to give away to anyone on the road, like streetcleaners, some beggars, and also taxi drivers for instance who continue to drive around even during the time of iftar, to serve transport needs.If only for this charitable spirit, everyday should be a Ramadan day.

Anyone, even a non-Muslim like me, can learn something from Ramadan practices. It represents a time for spiritual renewal that requires physical and moral discipline.

Ramadan Kareem  is an expression typically said at this time to wish everyone a Ramadan full of blessings. In this region that is faced with many conflicts, violence, and instability, I think Ramadan provides a source of inner peace, restraint, joy and strength.

Below, a Ramadan lantern that adorns many homes and buildings; and ataif, Arabic pancakes, being made in a nearby supermarket, that is a favorite of all during this holy month.