Ramadan Kareem
I spent 20 years of my life in the states celebrating such holidays as Christmas, Labor Day, Easter, etc. Moving to the far east meant a new calendar of holidays which are quite different from ours. It's currently Ramadan here in Dubai and I thought I'd share the interesting practices and traditions associated with this time of year.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and focus on the principles of Islam. So during this month Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking during the day.
Before the sun rises, Muslims will eat a light meal called a suhoor to prepare themselves for the day of fasting. The fast ends when the suns sets and a call to prayer, Adhan, is announced. The meal will traditionally start with eating a date and drinking water and move into the complete 'breaking of the fast' or Iftar.
The best way for me to describe an Iftar is it's the equivalent to an elaborate Thanksgiving meal. I had the pleasure of attending an Iftar last night with some friends and walking into the restaurant, I was overwhelmed with the spread of food. There were beautiful dates on the table, lentil soups, plates of Mezas (appetizers), and traditional Lebanese main courses of roasted lamb and rice. We ate and ate; until I was definitely on the verge of falling over! Waiters brought little cups filled with strong coffee and beautiful glass sheesha pipes. By the end, I couldn't picture myself eating for days. It is interesting to think this lasts for 30 days!
In the office we are observing Ramadan and have designated rooms for non fasters to have lunch or morning coffee. The major night clubs have closed down for the month, though you still can find a pint of beer after sun set in a quite bar where the music has been turned off.
It's definitely a more chill time here in Dubai and it takes a few days to adjust your routine, but once into it you begin to feel the festive vibe that comes each year with Ramadan.
Ramadan Kareem!
