Indeed adults don't eat during day-time at Ramadan. This is OK in the Middle East but what about Scandinavia where there are so many Muslim immigrants. This time of the year (longest day is June 20) it is constantly light.
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The article was interesting,but it never really states a main purpose of the fast which is to increase a Muslim's awareness of hunger.In NYC, the fast began at 3:44 AM and ended at 8:30 PM on June 18. The first day's fast lasted for about 16 hours and 44 minutes as fasting Muslims did not eat or drink. For the fasting period you are brought into the world of hunger, when food and water are not permitted. So,if you are financially able, hopefully, the fast will give you a desire to help feed hungry people, Muslim or non Muslims, throughout the year. The ability to break the fast is a blessing from Allah (swt), but is also as reminder that for much of humanity the ability to eat and drink is a daily struggle.
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Currently enjoying my second Ramadan in Amman, Jordan. People (from charities) go door to door handing out single pre-packaged dates and small bottles of water right before iftar. All sorts of fun.
I'm drooling. I'm lucky enough to work just down the street from Mr. Wadi's restaurant Saffron, and to access his food truck, World Street Kitchen at lunch whenever I want. I'm inspired to do it today! Visitors to Minneapolis should not miss Saffron -- it's a beautiful restaurant and the food is amazing.
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I love dates and just wish we had a better selection. I certainly would buy them. Awesome snack food.
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When used as a sweetening ingredient, I certainly enjoy dates. That said, when consumed alone the are simply too sweet for my taste. Perhaps a teaspoon of sugar with a little texture? Each to his or her own, I guess...
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This article brings back happy memories of growing up in Hyderabad, India. I am a catholic and enjoyed many a iftar meals with my muslim neighbors. We always had dates and the hyderabadi speciality, haleem. At most iftar dinners we were joined by our parsi,hindu neighbors. It was truly a dinner of love, companionship and brotherhood. If I could relive those happy times!
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Dates are truly a wonderful fruit and I have long been a fan, going back to the 80s. Medjools are on even another level and I can vividly remember the first time I had one.
With regards to this article, it should be noted that Israel, home to roughly 1.5M Muslims, is the world's largest exporter of medjools and one of the largest exporters of all kinds of dates. Why the author left this information out is puzzling and implies a desire to avoid the topic of Israel entirely, which is unfortunate. Furthermore, the comment about dates not appearing in savory dishes strikes me as particularly odd given the preponderance of chicken recipes from North Africa and the Levant (tagine or couscous, anyone?) that include dates.
With regards to this article, it should be noted that Israel, home to roughly 1.5M Muslims, is the world's largest exporter of medjools and one of the largest exporters of all kinds of dates. Why the author left this information out is puzzling and implies a desire to avoid the topic of Israel entirely, which is unfortunate. Furthermore, the comment about dates not appearing in savory dishes strikes me as particularly odd given the preponderance of chicken recipes from North Africa and the Levant (tagine or couscous, anyone?) that include dates.
3
Left out were Saudi Arabia, California, Arizona, Mexico, Iran and nearly countless others.
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Almost every religion has sometimes that, regardless of how one views that religion overall, impresses the curious observer who is willing to set aside her/his judgementalness for a few moments. Ramadan is such an impressive activity.
I love dates. I keep them around all the time and eat a couple when I need a little energy. Compared to eating a candy bar or drinking a soda, dates are relatively nutritious. Sometimes I eat a small handful of roasted almonds with my dates.
I love dates. I keep them around all the time and eat a couple when I need a little energy. Compared to eating a candy bar or drinking a soda, dates are relatively nutritious. Sometimes I eat a small handful of roasted almonds with my dates.
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Refreshing to find a report that isn't offensive on the eve of Ramadan; however, it might be wise to remove the reference to cognac as alcohol is prohibited to those who celebrate Ramadan.
The tradition of the dates taken at Maghreb is due to Prophet Mohammed ending his fasts with dates and milk. My favorites are the deglet nours from Algeria ... very difficult to find in the US.
This said, it should be reminded that Ramadan is not about food but about delayed gratification, returning to and revising one's relationship to Allah and to our fellow human travelers, renewing our practice of the tenets of Islam and meditating on ourselves and our raison d' être in relationship to all surrounding us.
Ramadan Karim!
Saha Ramadan!
The tradition of the dates taken at Maghreb is due to Prophet Mohammed ending his fasts with dates and milk. My favorites are the deglet nours from Algeria ... very difficult to find in the US.
This said, it should be reminded that Ramadan is not about food but about delayed gratification, returning to and revising one's relationship to Allah and to our fellow human travelers, renewing our practice of the tenets of Islam and meditating on ourselves and our raison d' être in relationship to all surrounding us.
Ramadan Karim!
Saha Ramadan!
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This article reminds me of something:
During Ramzan (the Persian enunciation of Ramadan) in northern India, non-Muslim businesses and offices will bring out a platter of whole dates, salted cashews and chilled lemonade for their Muslim visitors, friends and employees to break the fast in the evening. As a Hindu/non-Muslim, having plump, whole dates without a blemish on hand to break the fast is the way to show honor, respect and consideration to your Muslim friends during their holy month.
During Ramzan (the Persian enunciation of Ramadan) in northern India, non-Muslim businesses and offices will bring out a platter of whole dates, salted cashews and chilled lemonade for their Muslim visitors, friends and employees to break the fast in the evening. As a Hindu/non-Muslim, having plump, whole dates without a blemish on hand to break the fast is the way to show honor, respect and consideration to your Muslim friends during their holy month.
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First of al, i have nothing against the writer. Its very besutuful piece.
Even though Ramadan portrays all about food, actually, ramadan is supposed to be for our Creator and underprivileged community members. We, devoted muslims, suppose to be busy with zikir, (chanting special and short supplication or the Creator's attributes), reading the Quran, at night long prayers and most of all charity. To give charity to those who don't have enough. We suppose to stop from cursing, fighting, sexual actives during daytimes, living or from vain talk. I really don't understand when the ramadan became all about eating. Are we not trying enough to establish Ramadan? It supposed to be stay away from food and drink.
Even though Ramadan portrays all about food, actually, ramadan is supposed to be for our Creator and underprivileged community members. We, devoted muslims, suppose to be busy with zikir, (chanting special and short supplication or the Creator's attributes), reading the Quran, at night long prayers and most of all charity. To give charity to those who don't have enough. We suppose to stop from cursing, fighting, sexual actives during daytimes, living or from vain talk. I really don't understand when the ramadan became all about eating. Are we not trying enough to establish Ramadan? It supposed to be stay away from food and drink.
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Methinks you're being a tad bit touchy.
This is a column in the Food section of the paper; naturally it is about food. But even so, for someone who is not Muslim, this article gave some interesting information about the customs and traditions associated with the celebration. What could possibly be wrong with that?!
This is a column in the Food section of the paper; naturally it is about food. But even so, for someone who is not Muslim, this article gave some interesting information about the customs and traditions associated with the celebration. What could possibly be wrong with that?!
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As a fellow Moslem, I have to disagree, food - specifically those wonderful dishes my Grandmother used to make for Iftar - is an important part of Ramadan. After a long day of reflection, prayer and charity, the joy of being able to sit down with people you love to break the fast with foods that have been passed down through the generations is our reward from Allah for being true to one of the key pillars of our faith. While faith brings us together, food is what binds us to our family histories and traditions and here's to continuing to pass on Tayta's maamul recipe that she got from her Tayta who in turn got it from hers as we gather to pray and break the fast. Allah hu Akbar!
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I'm glad there is at least "Date fruit" that is "Unifying" in Middle East,really!!!!
One advantage of Middle East is that whether it's food,drinks,dress,......anything Social & Cultural has to have Religion mixed up.
When will we read an article from Middle East devoid of Religious overtones & justifications.
Eat & enjoy the dates as it is.
One advantage of Middle East is that whether it's food,drinks,dress,......anything Social & Cultural has to have Religion mixed up.
When will we read an article from Middle East devoid of Religious overtones & justifications.
Eat & enjoy the dates as it is.
3
Many years ago, I attended a dinner in a co-worker's home as part of their Ramadan observance. It was a joyful experience to meet three generations of her family and to share this family meal with them. I am happy I had this opportunity to learn about another culture.
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