Ramadan began today for most Muslim refugees living here in Portland.
Ramadan is a month of fasting that is inaugurated by the sighting of the new moon and also ended in that way. Because it is based on moon phases, Ramadan can begin and end on different days in different countries, but usually lasts from 29-31 days.
Ramadan is considered to be the holiest month in the Islamic calendar because it commemorates when Muslims believe that their prophet, Mohammed, received the Quran from Allah. During the month, all healthy adults are required to fast from food, water, sexual relations, impure thoughts, words, and deeds from sun up to sunset. Work also slows way down and office hours are modified so that people can be home during the heat of the day.
When I was living in Morocco, many kids often tried to fast part of the month or parts of days though they were not required to do so. Families and friends would gather at sunset to break the fast together with dates, a sweet called shabakiya and a special soup called harira. Another meal that included meat was also eaten later in the evening as well as a light snack right before dawn.
All over the world, in addition to fasting, Muslims also increase their charitable giving, recitation of the Quran and adherence to prayer. Ramadan is one of the 5 essential practices of Islam that include prayer 5 times a day, verbal acknowledgement that Allah is One and that Mohammed is his prophet, the pilgrimage to Mecca for all who are able, and charitable giving.
Ramadan ends with a celebration called Aid el Fitr that refers to the final breaking of the fast. In Morocco, families and friends gather to eat and give gifts, usually of clothing, to children.
If you are volunteering with a Muslim family, ask them about their special traditions around Ramadan and about the best time to visit. You can also wish them “Ramadan Kareem” which means “A gracious Ramadan (to you)”.
A typical Moroccan Ramadan sundown table setting
Moroccan families buying clothes for Aid el Fitr
