Mimouna is a beautiful tradition that illustrates the creation and the cultural diversity of Morocco.

On Tuesday, April 6, the Mimouna Association hosted a virtual event titled “Celebrating Mimouna: From a Feminine Perspective.”

The Mimouna Association is a non-profit founded in 2007 by Muslim students aiming to promote and preserve Morocco’s Jewish heritage and reclaim the country’s cultural diversity.

The April 6^th event is an example of one of the organization’s efforts to engage and educate youth about Moroccan-Jewish heritage. 

Mimouna itself is a unique tradition in Morocco — which is a result of the North African country’s rich cultural heritage.

In this way, the non-Jewish neighbors help the Jewish families readjust and reintegrate back into regular life. Mimouna is a shared celebration of prosperity, fertility, the coming of spring, and the growth of new life between people of different faiths and backgrounds, a powerful symbol of Morocco’s cultural diversity. 

There are many theories about the origin of the word “mimouna,” which remind us of Morocco’s rich multiplicity of cultures and faiths. “Mimouna” may come from an old Hebrew word for money or an Arabic word for faith. It may also be linked etymologically to the Jewish philosopher Maimonides or to the name of a Berber goddess.

At the virtual event, the Mimouna Association showed a brief video created by Moroccan-Jewish singers Suzanne Harroch and Maxime Karoutchi on the Mimouna celebration. Afterward, the organization invited Dr. Vanessa Paloma Elbaz, a singer, and researcher of Moroccan-Jewish heritage at the University of Cambridge, to speak about the unique and vital role of women in Mimouna.

Dr. Elbaz discussed how the Mimouna celebration emphasizes women’s role as creators. This begins with the creation of a space for social and cultural exchange on the night of the Mimouna. The eight days of Passover are celebrated within the closed, private space of the home with only the family, but on the last night – the night of Mimouna – the door is opened to outside guests and neighbors.

Traditionally, women were confined to the private space of the home and would only see their neighbors from the terraces of their houses or when they would go outside to fetch water. However, on the night of Mimouna, the women would invite their neighbors inside of the home, creating a new, sacred, celebratory space of “porosity” and exchange.

The food, traditionally prepared by the woman, also symbolizes creativity, prosperity, fertility, and the creation of new life. The woman of the house often makes a sponge from flour and yeast, representing creativity and growth, that would serve as the starter to make bread and create sustenance throughout the entire year.

Moreover, in many households, the woman will lay out an uncooked fish on the table as a symbol of fertility, a cup of oil with five coins to represent prosperity, and a bowl containing five fava bean stalks and five eggs to symbolize fertility, new life, and new growth. The woman traditionally feeds each guest lettuce dipped in honey, wishing them a sweet year to come, and sometimes the woman will put her hand in flour and stamp each guest’s shirt as they walk out, imprinting them symbolically with this spirit of creativity, creation, and prosperity. 

Mimouna is a beautiful tradition that illustrates the creation and the cultural diversity of Morocco. At the end of her discussion, Dr. Elbaz underscored the importance of passing down the unique tradition to younger generations. She emphasized the need to educate Moroccan youth on the practices, recipes, and music associated with Mimouna in the hopes that this custom will continue for generations to come. Her presentation at the Mimouna Association’s event was an important step to spread knowledge and appreciation of Mimouna and the rich Jewish heritage that lives on in Morocco.

Source: Morocco World News.

Morocco handed essential data to France, enabling the European country to prevent a terrorist attack in a church by a French woman of Moroccan origin on Easter Day.

French Senator Christian Cambon thanked Morocco after it helped France to avoid a terrorist attack in a church on Easter Day.

Cambon, who is also the president of the Morocco-France friendship group, spoke during an interview about 

the security cooperation between Rabat and Paris following a meeting between France-Morocco interparliamentary friendship group held on April 6.

During the virtual meeting, the group discussed bilateral ties and cooperation in different fields.

Cambon said the meeting allowed him, as well as his colleagues from the French Senate, to thank Morocco and its intelligence services, including the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

The appreciation message comes after DGST provided France’s security services with essential data that enabled the European country to foil a planned terrorist attack in a church on Easter Day.

Through the data, France arrested a French woman of Moroccan origin. The woman, who was not known to the French intelligence services, had been radicalized and watching ISIS videos.

During her arrest, police found products for manufacturing explosives, including sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetone.

Cambon said the security cooperation allowed France to avoid a “real bloodbath in our country on Easter Day.”

He said that the mere thought of imagining what could have happened sent him “shivers down his spine.”

“It must be remembered that cooperation between Rabat and Paris in the fight against terrorism is very dense and very advanced,” he said.

Morocco’s government has intensified its efforts in the face of the terrorist scourge.

Officials in Morocco’s intelligence have always warned that no country in the world can claim to be safe from terrorist threats.

Head of Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ), Cherkaoui Haboub, recently discussed the country’s approach against terrorism.

He said that Morocco is not safe from terrorist threats.

Morocco introduced the BCIJ in 2015 as part of its efforts to counter-terrorism.

Since 2002, the country’s security services dismantled 2,009 terror cells and arrested 3,535 people for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

Morocco’s services also foiled about 500 “bloody” terror plots in recent years.

Morocco does not only collaborate with France in terms of counterterrorism cooperation. The intelligence services in Morocco have been working with international partners against terrorism.

Earlier this year, Morocco also handed essential data to the US on a former American soldier facing terrorism charges.

DGST provided the data to the US on James Bridges, who was arrested for attempting to assist ISIS attack American forces in the Middle East.

Bridges is also believed to have provided training to ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City, such as the 9/11 Memorial.

The US has repeatedly applauded Morocco’s counterterrorism efforts.

In June 2020, the State Department’s annual Country Report on Terrorism commended Morocco’s approach in fighting terrorism.

The report said Morocco’s approach is essential in mitigating terrorism risks in the MENA region.

Source: Morocco World News.

Greenland will experience the longest fasting period while New Zealand will have the shortest.

As Ramadan 2021 has started for some countries, others all over the world are getting ready to fast daily from dawn until sunset. During the month of Ramadan, the hours of fasting differ from one country to another depending on their geographical location.

The holy month of Ramadan begins approximately 10-12 days earlier each year. This year, Ramadan is set to start mid-April.

Ramadan is again, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

Africa

According to Forbes Middle East, Muslims in Morocco and Egypt will fast for the longest period in Africa, ranging from 14-15 hours. Ethiopia, Senegal, and Nigeria will fast from 13-14 hours.

South Africa will have the least number of fasting hours, at 11-12 hours.

Middle East

Turkey will have the longest period of fasting in the Middle East, Muslims there will break the fast after 15-16 hours.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, and Lebanon will fast for around 14-15 hours while Muslims in Yemen will experience the shortest fasting hours in the region, 13-14 hours.

Europe

The Nordic countries generally have the longest periods of fasting. Muslims in Iceland will fast for 19-20 hours while Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will fast for 17-18 hours.

Muslims in France and Switzerland will fast for 16-17 hours while those living in Italy, Spain, and Greece will fast for 15-16 hours.

The Americas

Muslims living in South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will fast for 11-13 hours, depending on the exact location. Fasting for 11-13 hours is considered to be short in comparison to other countries.

However, Muslims living in North America, including Canada and the US will fast for 15-16 hours, which is the average number of fasting hours compared to Muslims living in Greenland who will fast for 19-20 hours.

Asia

In Asia, the fasting period will last for approximately 16 hours. Muslims in China will fast for 14-16 hours, North Korea (15-16 hours), Japan (14-15 hours), and India (14-15 hours).

Australia

Similar to countries in South America, Australia, and New Zealand will be among the countries with the shortest fasting periods this year. Muslims living in these countries will fast for 11-12 hours.

When is Ramadan 2021 starting?

In order to determine when the month of Ramadan begins, countries depend on astronomical calculations and the sighting of the crescent moon.

In Africa, Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta and Tunisia’s Diwan Al-Ifta have announced April 13 as the first day of Ramadan.

Morocco, meanwhile, will celebrate the first day of the holy month on April 14.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, and Lebanon started fasting on Tuesday, April 13. While Oman will start fasting on April 14.

As for Europe, the French Council of the Muslim Religion (CFCM) announced April 13 as the beginning of Ramadan.

Source : Morocco World News.

The US President also listed the challenges American Muslims face, including bullying, and the rise of Islamophobia.

US President Joe Biden has shared his heartfelt congratulations to Muslims for the holy month of Ramadan.

In a White House press release, Biden and his wife Jill expressed their greetings to all Muslims across the world.

Biden opened his message, citing the challenges evolving across the globe due to COVID-19.

He expressed regret that families and friends could not come together to celebrate the holy month.

 “Yet, our Muslim communities begin the month of revelation with renewed hope.”

Citing Islam, President Biden said many Muslims will focus on “increasing their consciousness of the presence of God in their lives, reaffirming their commitment to the service of others that their faith compels, and expressing gratitude for the blessings they enjoy—health, well-being, and life itself.”

The president also emphasized the contributions Muslims have given to his country’s development, saying they enriched the US since its founding.

“They are as diverse and vibrant as the America they have helped build.”

He also lauded their shared responsibility for leading efforts to fight the pandemic and their contribution to vaccine development.

For Biden, Muslims are creating jobs “as entrepreneurs and business owners, risking their lives as first responders, teaching in our schools, serving as dedicated public servants across the nation, and playing a leading role in our ongoing struggle for racial equity and social justice.”

Data from the Pew Research Center estimated there were 3.45 million Muslims of all ages living in the US in 2017, corresponding to approximately 1.1% of the total US population.

Despite all the positive contributions Muslims bring to the country, they are still the target of “bullying, bigotry, and hate crimes,” the US President argued.

He described such acts against Muslims as “wrong,” “unacceptable,” and they must stop.

Biden said the US should be home to peace and no one should be subject to fear while expressing their faith.

Several NGOs and research centers emphasized the increase of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim activities in the US.

New America organization said that mosques continue to face vandalization, emphasizing that such anti-Muslim activities have increased remarkably since late 2015.

Biden, however, vowed that his administration will work “tirelessly” to protect the rights and safety of all people.

Biden also cited his decision to end the “shameful” travel ban, emphasizing that he will continue to defend human rights across the globe, including for Uyghurs in China, Rohingya in Burma, and Muslim communities across the globe.

Biden also paid tribute to all people “we lost” since last Ramadan, stating “we are hopeful for brighter days ahead. The Holy Qur’an reminds us that ‘God is the light of the heavens and earth,’ who leads us out of darkness to the light.”

The US President said that this year’s festivities will be held virtually in the White House due to the pandemic but promised that the US administration will revive the Eid celebration in person next year.

Light Moroccan foods can be great to have a few hours before sleeping for a tasty meal and a healthy body.

Eating before bed can be unhealthy and cause weight gain and other health problems and complications. Luckily, Moroccan cuisine offers a range of healthy food that you can have before sleep as a late-night meal. With its rich flavors and health benefits, Moroccan food often finds its way into the diets of non-Moroccans.

Many people hesitate to change their diet and lifestyle to a healthier one in fear of always eating bland and flavorless food without enjoying their meals. However, that is completely the opposite case when it comes to Moroccan food.

Morocco generally follows a Mediterranean diet, the most recommended diet in the world because it is mainly based on plants, a moderate amount of dairy, and meat served occasionally. Morocco adds its own flavor to the healthy diet with fragrant spices and by merging Spanish culinary influences, giving Moroccan food unique and vibrant flavors.

Moroccans also tend to prefer baking, boiling, and slow-cooking over deep frying, which keeps meals more healthy. When roasting or frying, Moroccans often use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for its many health benefits.

It is important to watch what we consume before bedtime because it can affect the quality of our sleep as well as our health. There are five healthy Moroccan foods that you can eat before sleeping to fulfill your hunger, satisfy your taste buds, and keep you healthy.

Rice with milk

One of Moroccans’ favorite healthy foods is rice with milk. Rice is essential in almost every culture and cuisine, with each country and region having its own recipe and way of cooking the grain.

Rice with milk is one of the traditional meals that brings up a lot of memories for Moroccans—we’ve all had the light meal either served as breakfast in the morning or at night during a late dinner.

The main ingredients are white rice and milk, making the preparation very easy and affordable for everyone.

The rice first needs to be washed several times until the water becomes clear.

The washed rice is then cooked in a casserole or saucepan with water, olive oil, and salt, and stirred frequently. After the rice is well-cooked and the water has evaporated, you can add the milk. If you are vegan, almond milk works, as well. Some Moroccans like to add cinnamon and honey to their rice and milk, which add a delicious sweet flavor to the healthy food.

Belboula

Another healthy Moroccan breakfast food that can also be served before bedtime is belboula soup. The traditional Moroccan soup has many health benefits and a warming effect, which makes it the perfect late-night meal to have for a long night of deep sleep.

Belboula soup, also called hssoua, is made with barley grits cooked in water with cumin, salt, butter, olive oil, and sometimes thyme for extra flavor. After the barley is well-cooked, milk is added and the dish is served hot with more olive oil and cumin.

The light meal is a source of multiple healthy nutrients such as protein, iron, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help strengthen your health and fulfill your late-night cravings without high-calorie processed food that can damage your health and negatively affect your sleep quality.

Bakula

Bakula or khoubiza is a delicious, healthy Moroccan mallow salad that is the perfect food to have before you sleep. Mallow is a plant that grows everywhere in Morocco, and a lot of people will pick it themselves to make the tasty dish, or they can buy them in large bunches in the souk (market).

In Morocco, the mallow salad can be served either as an appetizer or a side dish, and a lot of Moroccans will have it for dinner because it is light yet fulfills their hunger while keeping them healthy and allowing them to have a good night’s sleep.

To prepare bakoula, the mallow leaves thoroughly washed, chopped, and steamed. When they are cooked, Moroccans will add preserved lemon, olive oil, olives, salt, pepper, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper or harissa for those who want it a bit on the spicy side.

This healthy Moroccan food is easy to make and does not take much time to prepare. In addition, the light meal is rich in vitamins, folate, magnesium, iron, calcium, and fiber, all of which help boost your health.

Roasted carrots

Roasted carrots are one of the popular foods in Morocco and just like bakoula, they can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or as a light meal that you can have before bed. Roasted carrots are popular in North African countries and in the Middle East, with each country having its own version of the delicious dish.

To prepare the simple and healthy Moroccan food, chop the carrots and boil them until they are tender but still hold their shape. Some Moroccans will also add green beans to add color to their dish. While the carrots are boiling, you can prepare the seasoning, which consists of olive oil, cumin, lemon, and harissa, if preferred spicy.

After the carrots are boiled, they are roasted with the prepared seasonings and can be served either warm or cold. Some Moroccans prefer their roasted carrots sweet and instead of harissa and lemon, add rosewater, cinnamon, raisins, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Besides its tasty mouthwatering flavor, this light Moroccan meal is packed with healthy nutrients. Carrots are amongst the healthiest vegetables, being a great source of vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants which can help strengthen your immune system, lower your cholesterol level, and even improve your eye health.

Beet salad

As you might have guessed by now, Moroccans love salads and most traditional Moroccan foods have vegetables in them. The Moroccan beet salad is often served as an appetizer and some Moroccans prefer to have it at dinner before sleeping instead of a heavier meal.

The red vegetable is a food that is available year-round in Morocco. The Moroccan recipe for healthy beet salad is simple and doesn’t take long to prepare, which makes it an even more perfect late-night food.

To prepare the beet salad, you should wash the vegetables well and add them to boiling water. After they are cooked and tender, you can peel them and chop them into small pieces. To season the salad, add olive oil, vinegar, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Another way to cook the beets is to chop them into small, evenly-sized pieces after peeling and roasting them instead of boiling them, using the same seasonings. Moroccans will also add chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, and some parsley for extra flavor.

The colorful salad is a healthy choice to have at night when your body is ready to rest. Beets are a superfood that everyone should indulge in eating from time to time, as they are rich in potassium, manganese, vitamin C, and fiber.

Eating healthy does not necessarily mean eating bland food with fewer flavors and missing out on delicious meals. Moroccan cuisine offers various foods that are both delicious and healthy, rich in nutrients that benefit you in the long run.

Eating heavy meals and processed food at dinner can lead to weight gain or more serious health conditions, which is why it is essential to keep an eye on the food we eat and when we eat it. These five light, healthy Moroccan foods in your diet are great to have before bed, and including them in your regular diet can help you monitor your health and while enjoying delicious meals.

Source: Morocco World News.

The authorities will allow mosques to host taraweeh prayers during the holy month.

Saudi Arabia has officially announced Tuesday, April 13, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee said on Monday that observers have observed the crescent moon which marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Accordingly, April 12, is the last day of Sha’aban.

As for those who wish to pray at al-Masjid Nabawi or al-Masjid Haram, they must request a permit by registering in the Tawakkalna app or the Eatmarna app.

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta announced that Tuesday, April 13 is the first day of Ramadan in the republic.

Diwan Al-Ifta, in Tunisia, has published a Facebook post stating that April 13 will mark the first day of Ramadan and taraweeh prayers will start.

Lebanon and Kuwait have also announced April 13 as the starting date of Ramadan.

In Morocco, meanwhile, authorities will observe the crescent moon of the ninth Hijri month on the evening of April 12.

According to astronomical calculations, Ramadan will start on April 14 in the country.

Ramadan amid COVID-19 pandemic

Ramadan will occur for the second time during the pandemic. Still, restrictions will have to be adapted from last year’s.

To control the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the infection rate, most countries have reduced the number of visitors and closed several mosques.

Worshippers at mosques must respect safety measures, including wearing masks and keeping their distance from others.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Iraq have announced that they will host the five daily prayers and taraweeh at mosques during Ramadan.

Morocco, meanwhile, currently allows mosques to host the five daily prayers. Still, it is unlikely that taraweeh prayers will be allowed as the government maintains a night curfew during the month, although there have been no official announcements.

One of the impacts of the curfew is that family gatherings for al-iftar will not be possible. Breaking fast in family circles will again be missed this year.

As for the COVID-19 vaccinations, the British Islamic Medical Association assured the Muslims that taking the vaccine while fasting will not invalidate the fast.

The association stated: “taking the COVID-19 vaccines currently licensed in the UK does not invalidate the fast, as per the opinion of Islamic scholars. Individuals should not delay their COVID vaccinations on the account of Ramadan.”

Source: Morocco World News