Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Ever since I was very young, one of the most important elements of Arabic culture has been the celebration of Ramadan. As a child, I didn’t know why all the restaurants were closed during the day, and why some of my friends did not eat during break time in school. However, since the beginning of the holy month I have decided to try and educate myself on the religious context behind it.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, and lasts 29 or 30 days, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
The rewards of fasting in this month are multiplied, and Muslims use this opportunity to offer more prayers and Quran recitations.
In Bahrain, most shops and restaurants close during the day, and open only after Iftar. This is the fast breaking meal that occurs at sunset, usually with the whole family gathered and consisting of several courses and desserts.
The beginning of this meal is usually marked by the eating of one to three dates prior to the banquet.
Due to the relaxed activity on the island, many non-Muslims choose to leave the country for the holidays during the 29 days of fasting; however, that’s not to say that the world grinds to a halt.
I feel a great respect for those individuals who fast, knowing that it cannot be an easy task. Although I do not participate in this celebration myself, it continues to be an integral part of the island’s culture and history, and extremely important to honour, even if you are not partaking in it.
