The holy month of Ramadan is just around the corner, as it will take place from May 15 and end on June 14. Held during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month is a time for spiritual reflection, acts of charity, and spending time with loved ones. But most prominently, it is known for the rigorous fasting Muslims go through. Those observing Ramadan don't eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and marks the month the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. The other four pillars are faith, prayer, charity, and making pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. During the holy month, Muslims forgo food and water, smoking, and sexual activities during day light. This is the period of reflection, patience, self-restraint, and generosity and is meant to bring Muslims closer to Allah. Fasting is a must for Muslims who reach puberty, generally the ages of 12 to 14. Pregnant , breastfeeding or menstruating women, ill, and the elderly, and those suffering from mental illness are exempt from the fasting.
First comes the Suhur, a pre-fast observed each day in the month before dawn. Then Muslims begin Farjr, the first prayer of the day. During sunset, families get together for the fast-breaking meal, known as Iftar. It is usually a high calorific diet with loads of meat and bread. However, dates are the first food to break the fast as per tradition because Muhammad broke his fast with three dates. After that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.
Traditional Iftars and community feasts
There are mass iftars and community gatherings, where buffet style food is laid. While the usual beverage of choice is water, drinks like juice, milk, soft drinks are also served. Iftar in the Middle east consists of water, juices, dates, salads, and appetizers. It also has one or two main dishes and various desserts. Usual main dishes are lamb stew, lamb kababs, roast chicken, and biryani. Sweets include Baklava, Kunafeh, and Gulab Jamuns.
Today, Iftar has become a major banquet festivals, with not just the Muslim population, but also people of other faiths join community gatherings to indulge. Masjids and banquet halls for over 100 people are held.
Eid al-Fitr
The festival of the breaking of the fast, Eid al-Fitr or Eid, marks the end of Ramadan each year. Muslims wish each other by saying “Eid Mubarak” and families and friends gather together to eat and pray together. The festival can last up to three days and also sees people give money to charity.
Ramadan and its £200m economy
Like any other festival in the world, Ramadan has been lately targeted by brands and supermarkets in the UK, subsequently leading to a rise in the expenditure on food and gifts particularly in the month. Similarly to Christmas, supermarket chain like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons have in the last couple of years, increasingly flaunted products and special offers on popular Ramadan food and other items. Brands like MAC cosmetics, the Body Shop, and Godiva chocolates have begun special packaging for Eid gifts. Morrisons, this year, is selling a Ramadan countdown calendar aimed at children.
As per a study titled the 'Great British Ramadan', by Islamic marketing consultancy Ogilvy Noor, almost two-thirds of Muslims plan financially for the month. Over half are concerned about their concentration during the month-long fast, and two-thirds worry about dehydration. Young adults are particularly concerned about their fitness regime, and it is observed that gyms in areas with big Muslim populations adjust opening times to allow exercise between iftar an suhoor. Gift-giving, buying new clothes, eating out and family gatherings are key features of the Eid holiday. Also, donations are also increased during the month, particularly among 25 to 34 year olds. It was noticed that Muslim charities through website JustGiving website increased by almost 500 per cent over Ramadan last year.
How to fast safely during Ramadan
The NHS has a guide for proper fasting and having a balanced diet. A balanced diet with the right proportion of carbs, fat, and protein is suggested for Ramadan. Dr Razeen Mahroof, consultant from Oxford suggests to approach the fast with discipline, otherwise instead of losing weight and becoming healthier, one can cause some serious weight gain.
Balanced Diet
Two meals a day are to be had during Ramadan, the Suhoor and the Iftar. One's food intake should be simple and not too different to that of their normal diet. Foods from all major food groups should be consumed. Like fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, meat and fishes, milk, and dairy foods. Consumption of sugary foods and healthier sources of carbohydrates. Foods high in fibre can help keep the bowel healthy, and add bulk to one's meal. Also, avoid caffeine-based drinks as it is a diuretic and stimulates faster water loss through urination.
Cooking methods to avoid
- Deep frying
- Frying
- Excessive use of oil
Healthy cooking methods
- Shallow frying – usually there's little difference in taste
- Grilling or baking is healthier and helps retain the taste and original flavour of the food, especially with chicken and fish
