The Fast starts the 1st day of the month of Ramadan according to the Islamic calendar, and since the Gregorian date changes every year, so whatever date Ramadan starts, it is assumed that it will start about 10-12 days earlier the following year, and so on. Three years ago, Ramadan started on August 2nd, 2011 (I remember well the date, since it was my son Nassim's Birthday), and in 2012, the First Day of Ramadan was around July 20th or 21st, then in 2013, it was around July 11th or 12th. So, this year 2014, Ramadan is likely to start around the end of June or beginning of July. Unfortunately, Muslims have never agreed on one day to start the Fasting of Ramadan because of the differences between Chiâa and Sunniyine (الشيعيون-السنيون ), so don't be surprised if some countries start their fasting with Arabia Saudia and others with Iran and Syria, no doubt. Two different opinions are implied here: some believe Ramadan should start at one (1) single moon sight regardless of the place, whereas others insist that the moon should be sighted in each locality of the country. Sadly, this issue splits families in Ramadan, so some people will decide to start fasting one day before the rest of their family members, which means celebrating Eid Adha one day before the rest. Ironically, the religion that is supposed to strengthen the ties of families, relatives and friends has been reduced to a tool by certain distinctive groups to separate families' paths and beliefs.
Who should fast and who shouldn't?
All Muslims should fast one month per year except:
1-Children under 16: are definitively not obliged to fast but this is again very controversial between Chiâa and Suniyine, and between the Islamists and social-modern Muslims. Quoran doesn't specify exactly the age when to start fasting, but as parents, we are responsible for our children's well-being and we never force them to fast. Kids are so different, some of them might be capable of going through Ramadan at an early age whereas some of them just cannot. For example, my son Kamal started fasting at the age of 18 whereas my second son Nassim started fasting at the age of 10! 8 years of difference, I can't explain that.
We usually allow our children to find out what Ramdan feels like, by letting them fast a few hours or even half day if they want to, and of course as the children mature, they eventually embrace their parents' religious beliefs and understand the meaning of Ramadan, just like we all did!
2- Travellers: if you are travelling, it is permitted to break the fast, provided that you make up the missed day when you can.
3-Pregnant and breastfeeding women : should not fast, since this will definitively harm their babies. Drinking and eating on different hours during the day is quite important and vital if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. What you eat and drink will help your baby to develop and grow healthy! Of course, these women can make up the missed days when they can.
4-Menstruating women, women with postpartum bleeding, women going through menopause and suffer from SEVERE migraine : should not fast since blood loss frequently results in fatigue, severe headache, stomach ache, dizziness, vomiting, physical weakness and bad mood. Of course, you can make up the missed days when you feel better after.
5- Old people, mentally sick people and people with diabetes should not fast. In general, if you are suffering from any sickness and you have to take medicine several times during the day, and you know that fasting is making your sickness worse and no better, you shouldn't fast. Listen to your doctor and use your common sense. Ramadan should be a happy and healthy celebration and not a torture.
Zakat = الزكاة:
Ramadan is viewed as the Month of giving and generosity and all Muslims have the obligation to assess and pay their "Zakat" during Ramadan. Zakat is the arabic word for the acts that we call "Charity" as known in English language, and it refers to the obligation that all Muslims have to donate a certain proportion of their wealth each year. However the act of "Charity" is quite different from the obligation of Zakat in Islam. If Charity suggests a magnanimous act by a small group of people who are very wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor or a certain institution, Zakat is rather a mandatory process, and not considered as a magnanimous act. It is obligatory upon all Muslims to give a certain percentage of their wealth and assets each year to the poor and needy. Zakat is viewed as an act of justice, fairness in taxation, and a duty, so it's every Muslim's responsibility to find out exactly the amount of money he/she should donate at the end of Ramadan. Some Muslims use Zakat calculator or ask help from specialists to define the right amount for Zakat.
Food and preparation for Ramadan:
Even if Ramadan means fasting all day from dawn to sunset, this does not mean "Light Food or Less Cooking". Actually, there are so many traditional, rich and versatile dishes made specially for Ramadan and which differ widely from one country to another. The main meal in Ramadan is called "FTOOR" in Darija (known in Arabic as "IFTAR"), which means the end of fasting at sunset. Ftoor is a happy, special occasion for all families to get-together around the table, listening to Quoran, or to Tarab Andaloussi (Classic Music), or simply watching TV, chatting, sharing recipes, etc..... Ftoor, an important meal which lasts for a good couple of hours, happens just after the sunset after Maghreb prayer, and this meal is served surrounded by all family members, and sometimes Ftoor is served on 3 or 4 tables especially during the four (4) weekends of this month, it is pretty much akin to Christmas Night!
During the few days before Ramadan arrives, everyone becomes excited especially children and mums: children because they know Ramadan means less hours at school, less exams, less homework and most importantly a lot of special and traditional treats on the table every single day for 30 days. It is almost like a party atmosphere every night for the happy children. As for mums, they are responsible for a well stocked pantry and an essential list of ingredients to have on hand before the start of Ramadan, and the dads have to pay the bills, of course. If you go to the Souk or market few days before Ramadan, you can see mums shopping, hustling and bustling about preparing the most popular Ramadan treats i.e. Chabakiya, the famous tressed cookies soaked in honey, Krachel, Hrira, Briwat, Mini-Bastilla, Salloo, Rziza, Mssamen, Malwi, Baghrir, Harsha etc... That's why, exactly one week before Ramadan, the streets are transformed into Food Workshops and Iron Food Competition!
2- Travellers: if you are travelling, it is permitted to break the fast, provided that you make up the missed day when you can.
3-Pregnant and breastfeeding women : should not fast, since this will definitively harm their babies. Drinking and eating on different hours during the day is quite important and vital if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. What you eat and drink will help your baby to develop and grow healthy! Of course, these women can make up the missed days when they can.
4-Menstruating women, women with postpartum bleeding, women going through menopause and suffer from SEVERE migraine : should not fast since blood loss frequently results in fatigue, severe headache, stomach ache, dizziness, vomiting, physical weakness and bad mood. Of course, you can make up the missed days when you feel better after.
5- Old people, mentally sick people and people with diabetes should not fast. In general, if you are suffering from any sickness and you have to take medicine several times during the day, and you know that fasting is making your sickness worse and no better, you shouldn't fast. Listen to your doctor and use your common sense. Ramadan should be a happy and healthy celebration and not a torture.
Zakat = الزكاة:
Ramadan is viewed as the Month of giving and generosity and all Muslims have the obligation to assess and pay their "Zakat" during Ramadan. Zakat is the arabic word for the acts that we call "Charity" as known in English language, and it refers to the obligation that all Muslims have to donate a certain proportion of their wealth each year. However the act of "Charity" is quite different from the obligation of Zakat in Islam. If Charity suggests a magnanimous act by a small group of people who are very wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor or a certain institution, Zakat is rather a mandatory process, and not considered as a magnanimous act. It is obligatory upon all Muslims to give a certain percentage of their wealth and assets each year to the poor and needy. Zakat is viewed as an act of justice, fairness in taxation, and a duty, so it's every Muslim's responsibility to find out exactly the amount of money he/she should donate at the end of Ramadan. Some Muslims use Zakat calculator or ask help from specialists to define the right amount for Zakat.
Food and preparation for Ramadan:
Even if Ramadan means fasting all day from dawn to sunset, this does not mean "Light Food or Less Cooking". Actually, there are so many traditional, rich and versatile dishes made specially for Ramadan and which differ widely from one country to another. The main meal in Ramadan is called "FTOOR" in Darija (known in Arabic as "IFTAR"), which means the end of fasting at sunset. Ftoor is a happy, special occasion for all families to get-together around the table, listening to Quoran, or to Tarab Andaloussi (Classic Music), or simply watching TV, chatting, sharing recipes, etc..... Ftoor, an important meal which lasts for a good couple of hours, happens just after the sunset after Maghreb prayer, and this meal is served surrounded by all family members, and sometimes Ftoor is served on 3 or 4 tables especially during the four (4) weekends of this month, it is pretty much akin to Christmas Night!
During the few days before Ramadan arrives, everyone becomes excited especially children and mums: children because they know Ramadan means less hours at school, less exams, less homework and most importantly a lot of special and traditional treats on the table every single day for 30 days. It is almost like a party atmosphere every night for the happy children. As for mums, they are responsible for a well stocked pantry and an essential list of ingredients to have on hand before the start of Ramadan, and the dads have to pay the bills, of course. If you go to the Souk or market few days before Ramadan, you can see mums shopping, hustling and bustling about preparing the most popular Ramadan treats i.e. Chabakiya, the famous tressed cookies soaked in honey, Krachel, Hrira, Briwat, Mini-Bastilla, Salloo, Rziza, Mssamen, Malwi, Baghrir, Harsha etc... That's why, exactly one week before Ramadan, the streets are transformed into Food Workshops and Iron Food Competition!
Traditions of Ramadan in Morocco:
1 )Air Raid Siren, called "Zowaka" = الزواكة :
This is a traditional practice of Ftour. An Air Raid Siren (Zowaka {Z O W A K A}) goes off and can be heard throughout the whole town to announce the end of fasting. So if you happen to be visiting a Muslim country in Ramadan, don't be surprised if you hear the air raid siren blasting out at sunset. Eventually this loud sound is followed immediately by the ritual “Adan or Athan” , which means "the call to prayer". For some reasons, this tradition has been stopped in some towns, and replaced by a recorded sound, aired on national TV or Radio.
2) Lilt Sab3a W3achrin = ليلة سبعة عشرين or ليلة القدر:
Called in Quoran "Laylat Al-Quadr or Al9adr", and which is the 27th night of Ramadan Month. This is a special night for all Muslims because the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Mohammed (SWS) on this very night. The first Sura revealed to him was "Surat Al-Alaq" = سورة العلق:
... اقرأ باسم ربك الذي خلق
Read in the name of your Lord who created...
This is such a big family gathering night where the children offer gifts to their parent and grand-parents to show their appreciation. The gifts given are usually traditional clothes, Kaftan, Jlaba, Charbil, Balgha, Scarf, or simply money. On this night, it is also important to perform Tarawih = التراويح, which are prayers that come after Isha prayer, and they are performed in pairs, and can be prayed in at 10, 20, 40 until dawn, this again differs from Shiaa to Sunna Schools. Women usually prefer to pray their Tarawih at home, whereas the men choose the Mosque, taking brief breaks between Tarawih by coming back home for a cup of mint tea and some spoonfuls of Sellou or Tquawt.
Another particularity that sets "lilt sab7a w3achrin" apart from all other Ramadan nights is that lovely smell in every single house. It's called L'Bkhour (incense) which is burnt in M'bakhra (incense burner), and after few hours the house smells just heavenly, some call it the "Smell of Paradise". This smell can sometimes lasts for few days after, especially if L'Bkhour used is of high quality. L'Bkhour coming from Arabia-Saudi is known to be the best and the most expensive.
3) Laylat Al Quadr Stars or Stars of Lilt Saba w3achrine: Children who feel ready to go for their first day fasting, choose the special night of Laylat Al-Quadr. To celebrate the children's first day of fasting, parents held a traditional family ceremony, after Ftour meal, for their little stars to mark the beginning of their upbringing in the Islam faith. With the help of Negafa (Lady who offers stylist and make-up services), the girls wear beautiful make-up, formal traditional clothes and gold. Whereas the boys wear traditional Jelaba, Fassi hat, and Balgha. Then the boys should take a short ride on a beautiful horse, usually accompanied by one of the parent. The horse is dressed in beautiful traditional attire, parading the neighbouring street, followed by a group of traditional musician group, performing cheerful music, followed by Zgharit (women roll their tongues and produce this cheerful sound). The horse enjoys the music, moving his head and legs responding to the music rhymes. These horses look stunning and I think they are well schooled to tolerate all what is associated with the drums, dancing and music sound. What a night! These are one of the best childhood moment and souvenir for every single Laylat Al Quadr Star!
4) Nafar, a volunteer who is a kind of town "Crier" = النفّار: S'hour Time
This is another special, old tradition of Ramadan in Morocco. A Nafar is a kind of town "Crier", whose task is walking down the streets, and playing a special instrument, like a trumpet, or calling people by their family names, to wake them up for Shoor meal, which is the last meal before sunrise. A Nafar is usually chosen from the local community and he knows everyone in the neighbourhood.
5 ) Charities : During the whole Month of Ramadan, there are many charities, volunteers and mosques throughout all muslim countries, who hand out free Ftoor meal to the poor and the needy.
6 ) Night Promenade : After Ftoor meal, most families, including children will start going out to have fresh air, meet with friends and enjoy the rest of the evening. Needless to mention that working and school hours are greatly reduced to suit Ramadan hours. However, some families prefer to go to the mosque to pray Tarawih until Fajr (Dawn).
7) Greetings : Since Ramadan is the time for celebrations, muslims send greetings and best wishes to their family members, hoping that they have a long life and a healthy one. A long time ago, greetings were conveyed by family visits one or two days before the starting of Ramadan, talking about the excitement and preparation of Ramadan, and enjoying a fresh mint tea with Dwaz-Atay. However, nowadays, most greetings are conveyed in the form of phone calls, text messaging, e-mail, facebook, twitter, blogging, etc...
Travelling to a muslim country in Ramadan:
Most tourists avoid travelling to muslim countries during Ramadan, but if you happen to be there for some reason during this month, it is good to know that Ramadan is a very special time for all muslims. In tourist areas, you will be able to find a few restaurants and food stores open during the day to serve non-Muslims, but it is good to show some respect and avoid doing this publicly, instead, you can eat in the Hotel during the day. It is also beneficial in some way to visit Morocco during Ramadan since during the day, especially in the morning, the streets, markets, souks etc.. are less crowded and less busy as usual and the beach is almost empty!
Ramadanlly yours,
By Khadija El Mary
Ramadan Food
Wish all of you and your Family a very Blessed Ramadan Mobarak!
Ftourkom Mabrouk, as we say in Morocco
Ftourkom Mabrouk, as we say in Morocco
فتوركم مبروك
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كويرات بالتّقاوت بالشّكلاط و أملو
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Chocolate-Amlou Balls/ Boules Au Chocolat et Amlou!
كويرات شكلاط وْ أملو
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Tquawte ou Sfouf ou Sellou Marocain (Version sans Farine)!
تقاوت/سْلّو/سْفُوفْ/زمّيطة
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Chbakiya ou Chabbakia ou L'mkharka Marocaine!
المْخَرْقَة- الشّباكيّة
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Traditional Handmade Moroccan Rziza or R'zatte L'quadi (L'kadi or lL'9adi) / Moroccan Judge's Turban
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Chocolate-Amlou Balls/ Boules Au Chocolat et Amlou!
كويرات شكلاط وْ أملو
Tquawte ou Sfouf ou Sellou Marocain (Version sans Farine)!
تقاوت/سْلّو/سْفُوفْ/زمّيطة
Chbakiya ou Chabbakia ou L'mkharka Marocaine!
المْخَرْقَة- الشّباكيّة
Traditional Handmade Moroccan Rziza or R'zatte L'quadi (L'kadi or lL'9adi) / Moroccan Judge's Turban
رزة القاظي
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بغرير
حَرْشَة / مْبَسّسْ / كسرة
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Zammitta ou Bssisse Marocain de la Région de Souss (Amazigh du Sud du Maroc)
الزّمّيطة بْسيسْ
Zammitta ou Bssisse Marocain de la Région de Souss (Amazigh du Sud du Maroc)
الزّمّيطة بْسيسْ
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مْلْوي
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عصير الحامض الخْظْرْ- بُوعْوِيدْ
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By Khadija El Mary
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Ramadan Kareem Calendar