"0 Allah, for You I have fasted and with Your provisions do I break my fast" The blessed month of Ramadhan is fast approaching and many of us are busy making preparations to make this a special time for our families. Ramadhan is a time for voluntary acts of worship, sharing with those who are less fortunate, and reflecting on the message that Allah has given to us. Overall, the goal of this month is to develop ourselves spiritually and to become … [Read more...]

The one image etched in Ramadan's mind from his childhood days is that of all the villagers of Alsawati, men and children, coming together for Salatul maglirib and bringing food with them for iftar. After salah, they would all sit in clusters of four to five people in the Masjid's courtyard having iftar together. The women would gather at neighbors' homes. "Everyone would bring food. It was like a potluck iftar. That is an image I can never … [Read more...]

In the depths of each night of Ramadhaan, Adam Esse would take his rounds in the streets of his small village called Sinujiif in Somalia, exhorting the sleepers to wake for suhur. Beating a drum-like iron container with a big stick, the young Esse would repeatedly chant, "Suhur Yaa Mu'mineen" Conjuring up those images years later, his voice became hoarse with emotion, 'I really miss it. Even if I used to miss one member of a house, they'd ask the … [Read more...]

Daytime normally constitutes of occupation with work and school, with many of the Muslim countries altering schedules to accommodate Ramadhan, and restaurants are closed in countries like Pakistan and Somalia, and no one eats in public during the day. While right before Maghrib the cities become like ghost towns, the streets, homes, and Masajid come alive during the night, especially after Iftaar. People visit each other, go to the bazaars and … [Read more...]

1. Es Teler, a Malaysian iced fruit salad drink for Iftar 1 can of ripe jack fruit 1 can of young coconut meat in coconut juice can of longan in syrup 1 can of palm seed in heavy syrup 3 ripe avocados 1 can of coconut juice vanilla flavoring Cut jack fruit, coconut meat and palm seeds in to small pieces. Scoop avocado meat with spoon, then add all ingredients and syrup together and serve over ice. 2. Qatayef, an Egyptian sweet for … [Read more...]

People try to read more and more Qur'an, offer nawafil and spend their time in dhikr during Ramadhan, a Pakistani sister said. "Allah instills in you more sabr and gratitude, and despite the difficulty of tasting, it is spent in a very happy mood." They also become conscious of things like watching television and listening to music and try to avoid it, she said. As Ramadhan nears completion, particularly during the last 10 days, people's worship … [Read more...]