·   · 154 posts
  •  · 21 friends
  •  · 21 followers

Ramadan in Morocco 2021: When and How to Celebrate

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri calendar (a lunar calendar), is considered the holiest month in the Islamic faith. Through stringent fasting, discipline, introspection, and prayer, Muslims elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to Allah, express their gratitude, and seek his forgiveness.

It is believed that during this month Allah revealed the holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. As a way of honouring this auspicious period of time, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, any form of violence, anger, and also husband-wife intimacy from the breaking of dawn until the setting of the sun. Reading the Quran and making a charitable donation (Zakat-al-Fitr) are also encouraged.

So, as we prepare to welcome the holiest of months, here are the dates, calendar, and guide to spending Ramadan 2021 in Morocco.

Ramadan dates and calendar 2021

The beginning of Ramadan is subject to the sighting of the moon and hence, there is some degree of uncertainty involved. However, it can be estimated by Muslim scholars and authorities by observing the appearance and cycle of the moon.

In 2021, Ramadan is expected to start from Monday, April 12, and will last until Wednesday, May 12. The month-long festivities will culminate with Eid-Al-FitrThe exact date of Eid depends on the new moon, so it is better to confirm with your local mosque.

 

Ramadan in Morocco

A typical day of Ramadan in Morocco begins with the nafar, that is the town crier blowing the horn to wake up families for the pre-dawn meal. After the iftar, the sounding of a cannon marks the start of the day-long fasts, and after sunset, zowaka, an air raid siren alerts Muslims that they may now eat and drink.

Moroccans head out to nearby mosques for the tarawih and tahajjud prayers. During this holy month, extra congregational prayers are also held for people to read the Quran and devote themselves to Allah

Laylat al-Qadr, which is celebrated on mostly the 27th night of the month is amongst the holiest events in Islam. Families come together for this special occasion and share traditional dinners. This is also the only time when children who haven’t reached puberty fast during the month. Young girls deck up in fine clothes, gold ornaments and put make-up and henna. Boys too dress festively in brand new djellabas, fez andbalgha. 

Iftar

In the days leading up to Ramadan, Moroccan women prepare traditional sweets like sellou and chebakia for the entire month. The iftar, or as it is more commonly called, ftour usually consists of tagine—a meat and vegetable stew, harira—a tomato and lentil soup, fried fish, hard-boiled eggs, khobz—a crusty Moroccan bread, pancakes, flatbreads and different sweet and savoury pastries. Dates, milk, juices, and sweets are also served as accompaniments to provide the sugar and energy required for the day.

Families and friends often come together to break their fasts. Community and social gatherings are also held as a gesture of brotherhood.

2 0 0 0 0 0
  • 336
Comments (0)
    Info
    Category:
    Created:
    Updated: