SadLad
11-10-03, 09:20 AM
Ramadan is one of the most important EVENTS in the Muslim religion; it is also one of the most anticipated and exciting EVENTS of the year. excitement starts to build weeks before the month actually begins! The holiday officially begins when the first silver crescent of the Islamic calendar's 9th month's moon is spotted in the night sky. Beginning on the 16th day of the month preceding Ramadan, family and friends walk outside of their homes, and often into the hills, to scan the star-studded sky for the new moon. Sometimes people will scan the sky for a week before the new moon begins! When the moon comes into sight, celebration and excitement can be heard throughout the night. If you are the first to see the moon, be sure to say "Ramadan Mubarak!" -- this means, "Have a blessed and happy Ramadan!"
During the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on October 27th this year, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. Fasting in this way allows Muslims and their families time to revitalize many of the teachings of the Qu'ran ( the Muslim holy book) in their lives. By fasting, Muslims have an opportunity to focus on many lessons that make up the very tenets that their religion is based upon; some of the most important lessons are self-control, inner reflection and the importance of charity. Fasting is very directly linked to learning the final lesson, the importance of charity. By denying themselves food, Muslims begin to understand what people less fortunate than they may feel when food is not available. Muslims often make a special effort to donate money, food and goods to charities or people in their community during the month of Ramadan.
Suhoor and Iftar
Just as fasting is an opportunity to learn the lessons of Qu'ran, so is the daily ritual of breaking the fast. Suhoor (breakfast) and Iftar (evening meal) are times to bask in the importance of community and family, and to experience thankfulness for the good things that are in their lives. During Ramadan, the morning and evening meals are treasured not only because they are the time for eating, but also because they offer the chance for family and friends to eat and celebrate together. Because everyone eats at the same time (and are HUNGRY after a day of fasting) there are often many, many dinner parties over the month's course. People meet at the Masjid or in each other's homes and eat delicious feasts. Nowadays, traditional foods meld with present day favorites to make for a fantastic looking dinner table.
Eid ul-fitr
Although there are dinner parties over the course of the month, none of them compare with the celebration called Eid ul-fitr that is kicked off on the first night after the Ramadan fast has been completed. This celebration is a huge community event, complete with piles of food, gifts and fun! Often, families will invite their non-Muslim friends and neighbors to join in the festivities.
As you can see, although Ramadan is a holiday of fasting and reflection it is also a holiday filled with cooking, baking and getting together with friends and family to eat loads of food! How about exploring some of the traditional (and not so traditional) foods that find their way into at least one of the many Ramadan feasts?
The Staff at Allrecipes http://www.allrecipes.com/cb/w2m/seaspec/h...an/default2.asp
During the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on October 27th this year, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. Fasting in this way allows Muslims and their families time to revitalize many of the teachings of the Qu'ran ( the Muslim holy book) in their lives. By fasting, Muslims have an opportunity to focus on many lessons that make up the very tenets that their religion is based upon; some of the most important lessons are self-control, inner reflection and the importance of charity. Fasting is very directly linked to learning the final lesson, the importance of charity. By denying themselves food, Muslims begin to understand what people less fortunate than they may feel when food is not available. Muslims often make a special effort to donate money, food and goods to charities or people in their community during the month of Ramadan.
Suhoor and Iftar
Just as fasting is an opportunity to learn the lessons of Qu'ran, so is the daily ritual of breaking the fast. Suhoor (breakfast) and Iftar (evening meal) are times to bask in the importance of community and family, and to experience thankfulness for the good things that are in their lives. During Ramadan, the morning and evening meals are treasured not only because they are the time for eating, but also because they offer the chance for family and friends to eat and celebrate together. Because everyone eats at the same time (and are HUNGRY after a day of fasting) there are often many, many dinner parties over the month's course. People meet at the Masjid or in each other's homes and eat delicious feasts. Nowadays, traditional foods meld with present day favorites to make for a fantastic looking dinner table.
Eid ul-fitr
Although there are dinner parties over the course of the month, none of them compare with the celebration called Eid ul-fitr that is kicked off on the first night after the Ramadan fast has been completed. This celebration is a huge community event, complete with piles of food, gifts and fun! Often, families will invite their non-Muslim friends and neighbors to join in the festivities.
As you can see, although Ramadan is a holiday of fasting and reflection it is also a holiday filled with cooking, baking and getting together with friends and family to eat loads of food! How about exploring some of the traditional (and not so traditional) foods that find their way into at least one of the many Ramadan feasts?
The Staff at Allrecipes http://www.allrecipes.com/cb/w2m/seaspec/h...an/default2.asp