Ramadan Mubarak

رمضان مبارك (Blessed Ramadan)

How fortunate we are to be spending this holy month in the heart of Saudi Arabia 🙏

You may know Ramadan as the month of fasting between sunrise and sunset, and indeed it is, but I am learning that it is so much more 🌙

For millions of Muslims around the world, this is a time for introspection and prayer, for appreciation, for care of others and for time with loved ones.

It is a time to even further extend the hand of charity and kindness ☺️

Despite the Ramadan greetings on shop windows, the food and gift promotions in stores and the celebratory events; it doesn’t feel at all commercial. Quite the opposite actually!

There is a real sense of community and I have noticed an almost tangible vibe; a happiness and an energy 🕌

A few days ago we were driving home at dusk, when we stopped at traffic lights. A group of young people were running out to the waiting cars and handing out bags of sweet snacks, water and juice to break the fast. They were not promoting a brand or a company - just young people engaging in a random act of kindness ❣️

Let’s explore in more detail shall we?

IFTAR
‎The breaking of the fast

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a holy month for followers of Islam. It commemorates the revelation of the holy Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad.
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The Islamic calendar is lunar based and is 11 days shorter than the solar calendar. As such, despite the lunar month of Ramadan remaining the same annually, the time of year changes. The beginning of Ramadan is marked by the first sighting of the crescent moon and runs until the next - around 29 to 30 days.
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Observing Muslims will fast from all food and water — yep, even water — from sunrise until sunset every day of this month. When Ramadan falls in wintertime, the days are shorter, thus the fasting time is shorter; in the summertime however it can be quite long and arduous.
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Islam allows for sensible fasting exceptions and implores its followers not to risk their health. Children, the sick, the elderly, pregnant women and travellers for example, are excused from the fast.
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The Iftar is a significant time in the day during Ramadan. This is the time at sunset when the fast is broken. Families and community come together to share a meal and attend the mosque for sunset prayer.
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We were lucky enough to join Mohammed and his family in iftar. We were welcomed with open arms by he and his young children while we enjoyed a sumptuous meal - sweet and savoury - lovingly prepared by his wife.

Mohammed first welcomed us to his private museum where he proudly showed us his collection of Arabian jewels, furniture, guns and assorted valuables. He detailed the history of every item and his proud heritage.
He followed with a demonstration of traditional roasting and preparation of Arabic coffee. - using his collection of original equipment, before welcoming us into the dining room where we all sat around the table waiting for the time to break the fast.
Soon we heard the call to prayer ringing out from the local mosque and it was time.
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Mohammed explained that first we break the fast by eating a date and drinking water. This was followed by a rich and delicious traditional camel soup. Then we were offered baked and fried stuffed pastries, mini pizzas, sliders and an assortment of amazing, hand made Saudi sweet dishes that would put Willy Wonka to shame!
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The family chatted happily and laughed and joked while they enjoyed the evening meal together.
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After the appetisers, Mohammed left the dining area and went to pray at the mosque, but returned 10 minutes later to continue eating the main meal.
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What a privilege to witness first hand this wonderful tradition in the home of a Saudi Arabian family.