Ramadan is coming soon. According to the Muslim calendar Ramadan will begin on the evening of Friday, May 26 and end on the evening of Saturday, June 24. It is one of the most important events in the Muslim year. Adult Muslims who are sane, and do not have any illness must fast from sunrise to sunset. Generally speaking, Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke during this time. Fasting in Ramadan can be difficult especially in summer time when it's very hot and people are working. Only when the sun goes down Muslims are allowed to break the fast.
The meal Muslims take is called ''Le'ftour'', literally meaning ''breakfast''. In most cases, Muslims take water and dates as a starter to get re-energized. Then, when the table is filled, they enjoy a large array of delicious dishes, honey, eggs, milk, and most importantly soup, or as it is called ''Harira''. It's worth mentioning that ''Harira'' is the star of any table in Ramadan.
Embracing kindness and decency good faith
Muslims rise at dawn for a last meal so as to avoid starving later in the long days of fasting. This meal is called ''S'hour''. During Ramadan Muslims say their prayers and give alms in abundance, and aim to be as nice as possible, especially with those who try to be aggressive with them.
Kindness, decency, humour and good faith are the virtues that people try to embrace during this holy month of Ramadan. What's more, Ramadan is an ideal opportunity to focus only on prayer and reading the Quran, dedicating every second to Allah. Generosity and tolerance are highly encouraged during this month. Ramadan is a period of reflection, patience and goodwill that is intended to bring world-wide Muslims Closer To God (Allah).
What Is Eid Al-Fitr?
Ramadan ends with ''Eid al-Fitr'', a day in which Muslims visit each other and offer coffee, tea and other beverages along with cakes, to everyone coming to their house as a reflection of hospitality.
Muslims salute and wish each other a happy and blessed Eid Al-Fitr by saying '' Aid Mubarak ''. In the same context, families and friends gather to pray and eat.
'' Eid Al-Fitr '' lasts up to three days maximum. Muslims give money to the poor ''Zakat al-Fitr '', as a part of the celebrations.
Muslims like Ramadan because it's an easy way to get closer to God (Allah) spiritually, and see friends and family that they do not regularly see because of life preoccupations.
According to the Holy Quran, Ramadan is a great opportunity not only to share food, but also laughter and humour around the table while eating.
