RAMADAN and Eid-ul-Fitr are important times in the Muslim calendar.
Ramadan means “ 9th month”, and the Night of Power ( Lailat-ul-Qadr ) is the night when the
Koran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. This night is commemorated with prayers on the
night from the 26th to the 27th.
In the month of Ramadan you can't eat or drink during the day. This is called fasting. You have to
wait till the evening to eat. At sunset, you can have a snack, such as a few dates as was the
Prophet's custom and later, after the evening prayer, you have a full dinner. All eating must finish
before the sun rises.
Why fast? These are the benefits of fasting:
You will learn self-control.
You will learn to be patient.
You will experience what it is like to be hungry, thirsty, so will be more willing to help the poor .
It is a time when you try to fight temptation and strengthen your faith.
It is very difficult not to eat or drink during the day. Not all Muslims have to fast during Ramadan.
Very old people don't fast and children don't have to fast until they are 12 or older. People who are
on a journey can eat while they are travelling. Women don't fast if they are expecting a baby. Ill
people don't fast but they must fast when they are healthy again. While you are fasting you pray
more and read the Qur'an more.
EID-UL-FITR is the festival marking the end of Ramadan. It begins on the first day of the next month.
Towards the end of Ramadan, Muslim clean their houses, prepare new clothes and gifts and plan a
great feast for when the new moon is seen and the fast is over. Street parties and family parties are
held , greetings and cards are exchanged. Prayers are often held out of doors to accommodate the
crowds who come in their best clothes to give thanks to God.
On this day fair ground attractions are set up in some places such as in Turkey where they include
trained bears.
People often visit the graves of their relatives and then spend their time feasting and exchanging
gifts.
Sugared almonds are a speciality of the festival, as well as chocolates and nuts. For the main feast a
dish such as stuffed lamb is served with a lot of side dishes. Go the the section “Festive food” and
try the milky rice pudding, Sciltiaz.
4°C
No comments:
Post a Comment