Millions of Muslims across the world are preparing for the holy month of Ramadan that will start on the May 27 till June 24 marking a period of religious devotion and fasting. The nine month of the Islamic Lunar (Hijri) calendar is when the fasting begins, this being the time when the Quran was said to have been revealed to the prophet Muhammad. This will be followed by the celebration of the most important festival of the Muslims – Eid on the June 25.
What is Ramadan?
The period during Ramadan is considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion. Muslims restrain themselves to eating two meals a day during this period, one before sunrise (sawm), and the other before sunset (iftar) and are encouraged to pray five times a day. Muslims abstain from eating or drinking during the day, sexual intercourse, and vices like fighting, gossiping and using abusive languages.
The Quran, Al Baqarah states “O you who believe... fasting is prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness.”
The period is deliberate to bring spiritual Muslims closer to God, and make people think about the less fortunate. Many recite the Tarawih prayers from the Quran in congregation before breaking their evening fast, some assembling at the local Mosques to celebrate communal meals, donate money to charities (and the needy) and feed the hungry.
Iftar and its specialities in London
Many have questioned the practicality of fasting, which if controlled properly, would have health benefits, especially with the obese, as long as keeps people hydrated and people are able to strike the right balance between carbohydrates, fat and protein in their diets, according to an advisory by the NHS.
The Iftar is scientifically designed, well-balanced meal to be shared with family and friends. The fast starts with eating some dates and a drink of sherbet. This is followed by a bowl of fruits including apple, grapes, melon, pineapple, cherry and orange. The third course is a bowl of chick-peas or chana, some vegetable fritters. Biriyani, nan, kebabs and other meat preparations constituting carbohydrates and protein is the main course, ending with some sweets like jilabis, sewai and kheer.
In London, Shaad restaurant in Brick Lane has a special Iftar special set menus for people visiting with families and friends, costing from £7.95 to about £12.95 consisting of 17 to 21 big and small items, confirmed the Head Chef, Salam Miah. The menu consists of onion rings and chicken nuggets, to cater to the tastes of the younger generation.
Shahid Bhai, Founder of Gram Bangla restaurant has kept the special spread of 11 items priced reasonably at £6.95. “None of the food is spicy, keeping families in mind. All my four daughters keep roza, and prefer eating light and less of fried food; but boys are not food-fussy and we've kept roast and fried chicken for them. Our speciality is 'khaja' – we fry them individually to retain the taste and flavour. Even our take-away boxes are sourced from Sweden, so we do take care when it comes to Ramadan,” he said.
“Treat yourself to a special Iftar menu with us, with mouth-watering Iftar package,” said Salil Ahmad Chowdhury, Manager at Cafe Grill who have also priced their Iftar menu at £6.95 with a similar spread.
The exceptions
The strict fasting rules are meant only for able-bodied and mentally fit Muslim adults. Children, the sick, pregnant women and the elderly are exempt from fasting. Fasting starts after the child reaches puberty. These days athletes, if they are competing in tournaments during this period or business travellers do not undertake fasting. People can make up for their missed fast later, sometimes by feeding a needy person for each day they do not fast.
The changing face of Ramadan
For many liberal Muslims, Ramadan continues to be a holy month, but following the strict laws of fasting and restraint need not be observed for just one holy month in a year, but should be practiced on a daily basis. A 44-year-old, who did not wished to be named said “I have never fasted, and do not see myself fasting – but I keep away from negativities on a daily basis.”
“With longer daylight hours, it is really difficult to fast during a hectic work-day. So I do not fast, but I pray as much as I can between my work. And I abstain from vices during this period,” said another 32-year old.
But all the UK offices and even super-markets make provisions for Muslims living in the country. Colleagues show respect by not eating openly in front of fasting colleagues and they are allowed time to take breaks and eat during Iftar, accommodating those who work in shifts.
All major super-markets in the UK stock special Iftar foods like dates, basmati rice for biriyani, pulao and halal meat, to celebrate the Ramadan season in spirit and solidarity.
