We are in Saudi Arabia during the month of Ramadan, incredible to be here at the birth place of Islam during this very holy month. Ramadan is all about self-discipline, introspection, sacrifice, and empathy.
People fast from sunrise to sunset, so typically around 10 hours a day to begin with but as the month progresses fasting will be as long as 14 hours. It is a time for prayer and reflection.
The symbol for Ramadan is the crescent moon. Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the crescent (new) moon in theEast (over Mecca) and continues for a full calendar month. Each year Ramadan is decreed by the Supreme Court, and His Excellency the King and the Crown Prince are congratulated as soon as the new moon has officially been sighted, people have to register the first sighting of the crescent moon with officials.
You are encouraged to read verses from the Q’ran each night so by the end of the month you have read most of the Q’ran.
The following is taken from The Gulf News: “The annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’. In addition to abstaining from eating, drinking, and smoking, Muslims also refrain from sexual relations as well as sinful speech and behaviour. Donate, contribute to Ramadan care packages, share Ramadan gifts for your colleagues and friends, and teach your children the importance of self-reflection and charity.”
People break their fast after sunset prayers by eating 3 dates to emulate the way the Prophet Mohammed broke his fast. Thenthey eat a feast called Iftar, inviting friends and family to feast with them.We were honoured to be invited to join our new friend, Mohamed Fekry to break fast with him at the feast of Iftar. At each table is a silver bowl of dates and a pot of Arabian coffee. This coffee is heavily flavoured with cardamom and is quite delicious!The seating area is outside and looks amazing, decorated with hanging twinkling crescent moons and stars and bags of traditional spices filling the air with their aroma.Chickpeas are under the dome, served with different pickles and flatbreads.There is also a huge salad buffet which David and I fall on having missed fresh salads. Lots of different flavoured oils accompany this cart.The chef prepares Schwarma and kebabs – all the meats are delicately and subtly flavouredTender lemon flavoured chicken on the shwarmaThe shwarma is presented with sauces and pickles all wrapped up and char grilled – so tasty and SO much food!!! This truly is a feast, for the stomach as well as the senses!The deserts are small pastries that are all very sweet, honey, almonds, coconut are the different flavours. They all have different textures, some are crunchy, some are like cake and others deep fried. All of them unique and we can’t decide which we like best!Fruit juices were thick and syrupy, pomegranate andmango! We are still drinking litres of water to combat the heat.
The outdoor restaurant preparing for IftarReady to feast!
The crescent moon and star symbolising Ramadan are everywhere to be seen as people celebrate.These are hanging all around the hotel.
Jeddah looks magical mystical… and now you’re on your way to Melbourne. Hope you
enjoy the cooler temperatures.