For me, Ramadan is the month of worship and learning patience. It is one of the five pillars of Islam: it is ordered in the Quran, and all able Muslims (those who are mature and in good health) are expected to fast from sunrise to sunset during this month. With the end of the Ramadan, Zakat Donations are given and Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with loved ones.
I spent one week of Ramadan in Turkey in order to experience the difference. The day began with having and eating Sahari before 05:47 (timing differed each day). Usually I started my day by eating hearty food and drinking enough water and tea so to avoid dehydration.
I used to then sleep after Sahari until 10:00 or 11:00 since I was there on holidays, so I used to sleep until late during the day and those working had to wake up early so to start work. After waking up at 11:00, my mother and I would start preparing for Iftar. During Ramadan, different kinds of foods are made for Iftar and the following main meal. We preferred eating light food like a soup or any kind of fried food like Bolani, Sambosa, Pakora for Iftar and for the main meal normally rice, vegetables, or meat is cooked. So, the day used to pass on by cooking food for Iftar, baking and praying.
During Iftar time, the streets were very empty since everyone were either in their homes or in the food spots like restaurants to break their fast. Normally, in Turkey during Iftar every food spot has their special Ramadan menu, it is the same in Germany. I have observed that most of the Turkish Restaurants have their Iftar or Ramadan menu.
I remember during my childhood, when we used to live in Pakistan and Afghanistan, it was the same during Iftar. No one was seen in the streets. Everyone was either in their homes or restaurants. After Iftar was the time that most of the people used to get back to either their work or go to Mosques for prayers.
What I have observed in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkey, is that in the month of Ramadan people do a lot of charity; in the form of either giving money to people in need or making food, feeding and distributing it for either those who are in need or their neighbours and relatives.
When I was a child, the Eid-Ul-Fitr was the ceremony which we used to wait and be excited for. On Eid day we would get new clothes, shoes. And people were getting ready for the Eid during the month of Ramadan by cleaning, washing, painting the walls and making new clothes. It was one of the best occasions of the year. But in Germany it has been many years that I have not celebrated Eid since I don’t have any relatives here; and normally if Eid happens during the week it is not possible to celebrate with friends. Only on weekends, it is possible to celebrate.
This article was also published in German