Alhabib is from the Tuareg people in Libya and sent us this fascinating
\ninsight into the Islamic festival of Ramadan.<\/p>\n
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this
\nmonth that Muslims fast and when Muslims concentrate on their faith. It
\nis a time of worship and contemplation. There are fairly strict rules
\nabout how one can live during the month of Ramadan: during the Fast of Ramadan,
\nMuslims are not allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours and smoking and
\nsexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of each
\nday, the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the
\nevening following the iftar, it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting
\nfamily and friends and the fast is resumed the next morning<\/p>\n
As the holy time of Ramadan approaches, everyone is very happy and starts to
\nprepare for it. The women in the home usually prepare special meals for
\nthe month of Ramadan. Everyone is happy and anticipating the coming of
\nthis holy month. Ramadan begins after watching the crescent shaped moon
\nat midnight or even later. During this period, Muslims start their day
\nbefore early dawn and eat a meal, called the Sahour. This is sufficient
\nfor fasting for the day. After that, they begin the worship and call to
\nGod for forgiveness. All Muslims must fast between the hours of
\ndawn and dusk.<\/p>\n
Before sunset the women prepare delicious savoury food. At sunset ,
\nwhen the call to prayer to Al Magreb is made, all the family gather round the
\nfeast to eat. They begin with some dates and some milk (this is the sunna
\nof the prophet Mohamed ) and then begin the Magreb prayer. After praying
\nthey return to eat and drink. There is lots of visiting going on and much
\ntime is spent with friends and all houses are open to receive any guest from
\nanywhere.<\/p>\n