Ramadan

 We have lived in Morocco for two years now... so it's high time for a "lesson" on Moroccan culture:

    Ramadan is an obligatory, Holy fast for Muslims. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food or drinking liquid (Conservative Muslims also abstain from sexual activity). The hundreds of cafes and restaurants that are typically filled with men sipping Moroccan mint tea and smoking cigarettes are all closed during the month of Ramadan (during the day at least). Every day, the fast is broken at sunset with a giant feast called "ftir". A large meal is also eaten just before sunrise.
     The purpose of this month-long fast is multifaceted: It offers an opportunity for self reflection, and it is meant to draw Muslims closer to God (Allah). Devout Muslims tend to renew their dedication to prayer during the month of Ramadan, particularly on the final day of Ramadan (which is known as "The Night of Power"). The Night of Power signifies the holiest day of the year, as it marks the day upon which the Qur'an was first revealed to the prophet Mohammad. It is said to be the day on which it is guaranteed that God (Allah) will hear and answer your prayers.
    We hope that this time of fasting and praying does indeed draw Muslims closer to God...

    As expats living in a Muslim country during Ramadan, we do face several "inconveniences". Most restaurants are closed, traffic rage tends to intensify proportionately to hunger pains, and store hours fluctuate to accommodate the new feasting (and sleeping) times. Simultaneously however, Ramadan does offer expats the luxury of empty beaches (Muslims typically do not go to the beach while fasting since they cannot drink) and excellent internet speed in the morning since most everyone sleeps the day away.
    While it is not necessary as foreigners to fast, we have chosen to show our respect for Ramadan by refraining from eating/drinking in public. We dine behind closed shutters and graciously accept the fitr feast given to us at sunset every day by our landlord. -We actually love some of the traditional Ramadan treats, especially chebakia, harira, and sellou.
     While science predicts that the next crescent new moon will come next Thursday (Thus signifying the final fitr feast and the end of Ramadan), we must pretend to have no knowledge of Ramadan's end until the actual moon sighting. Inshallah...the end is near.

-David & Nicole