The 22nd March sees the start of Ramadan, a time when Muslims across the globe will remember the month the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims will fast, won’t eat or drink, during the hours of daylight and most will try give up bad habits. Ramadan is a time for prayer, reflection and doing good deeds.
My friend Syed invited me to join his family to share iftar, a meal that is eaten after the Sun has gone down. For dinner we enjoyed a chicken and rice traybake, which tasted amazing, his wife told me the secret was using Ghee, a type of clarified butter but I suspect that she is simply a far more accomplished cook then me.
Syed explained that he will read the Qur’an, attend the Mosque and spend time with his family but that helping others is especially important during this time. He and his family have not only given their time but their money to local charities.
This year Ramadan will end on Friday 21st April with big a celebration called ‘Eid ul-Fitr’, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. A special meal will be eaten, the first eaten during daylight hours for a month and the end of fasting will be celebrated with thanks given to Allah for the strength given during the holy month.
I would like to thank Syed and his family for welcoming me into their home and for their kindness and generosity.