Ramadan: what it is and how Muslims eat during this period – 03/25/2023 – Tourism

Last Wednesday (22), Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, began. During this period, followers of the Islamic religion fast and also abstain from smoking, sexual intercourse and even drinking water from sunrise to sunset so that, according to tradition, rich and poor are equal before God.

Ramadan falls every 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is ruled by the Moon, which explains why the period always falls on different dates than the standard western calendar. According to the Muslim faith, it was in this month that, more than 1,400 years ago, the Koran began to be revealed to the prophet Mohammed.

Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of the Muslim religion, which also includes the profession of faith, daily prayers, charity and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Despite sounding strange to non-Muslims, it is strictly followed by those who are faithful to Islam — and, precisely because of this, it inspires special menus in cuisines around the world.

In São Paulo, for example, chef Fred Caffarena, from the MakeHommus.NotWar restaurant, created a special menu that is offered throughout the period, always from 6 pm to 7 pm — at iftar time, the prayer that takes place right after sunset Sun. It includes mineral water and dates for the traditional break from the fast, chickpea soup with parmesan and harissa sauce, a portion of hummus, grilled vegetables and a main course of your choice (kafta, falafel, lamb sausage or roasted cauliflower), in addition to the dessert of the day.

Even meals served in the air at thousands of feet are adapted for Ramadan. On Qatar Airways flights to selected destinations, both iftar and suhur meals (the meal consumed in the early morning, before fasting) are served punctually at sunrise and sunset, in a specially designed bag. for the occasion. Dishes include vegetarian and non-vegetarian wraps, Arabic sweets, dates, a slice of cake, laban (a type of yogurt, also known as fresh curd) and water.

“During the holy month, it is our duty to care for each other and promote spirituality,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker. “Welcoming one of the most spiritual seasons, Qatar Airways is proud to offer its passengers a smooth and orderly travel experience during the holy month of Ramadan.”