-

 

Ramadan brings people together to fast, eat

Several years ago, I was in Morocco during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and found it very interesting.

All around me, people were fasting during the day and focusing on their spiritual practice.

Starting tomorrow night, more than 25% of the world will be observing Ramadan.

This holiday commemorates the revelation of the Quran by their prophet Mohammad and is a deeply spiritual time.

I reached out to our local Muslim community to learn more about its traditions during Ramadan.

Each day, there is pre-sunrise meal called suhur. This meal is full of nutrients to help support a person as he or she fasts until sunset. Some of the foods eaten might be fruit, cheese, eggs, vegetables, bread, tea and water.

The rest of the day is spent fasting for those over the age of 12 who don’t have any underlying medical conditions.

Many religions in the world include fasting as part of their traditions. Abstaining from food and water is thought to help enhance one’s spiritual connection and foster compassion for those who suffer from hunger on a regular basis.

When the sun sets, the delightful and delicious foods of Ramadan begin! Traditionally, a person breaks the fast each evening by eating a date and drinking water.

Dates can be found at our local grocery stores and are a delicious and nutritious, sweet fruit. After dates and water, people gather together for a meal called iftar. This meal might include soup, vegetables, meat, dried fruits, juices and desserts.

At the end of the month of Ramadan, a large celebratory meal called Eid al-fitr occurs.

This is an extra joyful time with friends and family. There is prayer, gift exchanges, giving to charities and many delicious foods are eaten.

The traditional greeting is “Eid Mubarak,” which means Blessed Eid.

Here in the Grand Valley, our local Muslim community gathers to celebrate iftar during the month of Ramadan. People come from miles away and bring foods from their family traditions, including foods from Pakistan, India, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey.

Che Bou-Matar, a member of Two Rivers Mosque,

ALL THINGS FOOD

posted in Out and About, Grand Junction Sentinel,

April 1, 2022

Popular posts from this blog

A video about Inclusivity in Grand Junction

-
The video (link below - approx. 11 minutes) was shown at a February gathering of religious leaders and congregants in Grand Junction. It was followed by small group discussions related to diversity, racism, inclusion, and similar topics. The event brought many people closer together. It also gave people the opportunity to explore their own biases, beliefs, or welcoming nature. The video is entitled " GJ Inclusion ." It's a thoughtful presentation. Are we as welcoming as we declare to be? Let it begin with me. # # #
Read more

Honoring MLK Day 2021

-
In our commitment as members of GVIN to fulfill its statements of Purpose… Cooperate in efforts that will serve the community as proponents of human dignity and agents of compassion in seeking to meet essential human needs; Offer opportunities for community worship, spiritual celebrations, shared learning activities, fellowship, and service; Exchange ideas and resources among members; Enrich our common ties around shared principles and hopes; and Demonstrate positive acceptance of religious diversity and share such information in the Grand Valley communities.  … we have provided several short videos about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his sacred work to unite people in the 1960’s. In one interview he talks about needing a “revolution of values” in order for government leaders and the citizens of this country to find common ground. In many ways, what Dr. King describes then applies to today’s political and societal challenges…more than 50 years
Read more
-
Image
  Chevra :   simply ask for joy   This past weekend, the People of the Book (or  Ahl al-Kitāb )* celebrated an occasion of interfaith dialogue and cooperation experienced every 33 years! The rare overlap of Easter, Ramadan, and Passover presents the possibility of  truthful  and  just  unity on this shared religious journey.  The convergence of Passover, Easter, and Ramadan occurred alongside the Sikhs’ and Hindus’ Vaisakhi , the Jains’ Mahavir Jayanti, the Baha’i Festival of Ridvan , and the T heravada Buddhist New Year .  The diversity in our faiths, journeys, and identities unifies our humanity and joint fight to preserve everyone’s dignity.   Our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate and honor Ramadan, 30-days of deep spiritual reflection, rejuvenation, gratitude, and giving during this month. As we uplift the joy and sacrifice of our community members, we must also do our part in supporting our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and comrades as it is also a time of holy fasting from
Read more