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Eat well during Ramadan 2020
Food lives within the heart of many religions and cultures. As we arrive in the middle of the Ramadan season, it is interesting to note how many people are giving up food for fasting as an act of self-reflection and devotion to their faith.
When is Ramadan?
The Islamic calendar is based upon the moon phases. The ninth month of this calendar is dedicated to Ramadan, when the new crescent moon is seen. It lasts between 29 and 30 days depending on the specific sighting time.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan comes around once every lunar calendar, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon lighting the night skies. There is a dedicated committee in Saudi Arabia who announce the first view and then call the start of Ramadan.
The holy month of Ramadan is said to originate all the way back to 610 AD when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad and presented the Islamic holy book - The Quran. This holy night was set to have occurred during Ramadan, leading to the vast commemorations and celebrations today during this time.
The purpose of Ramadan is to allow muslims across the world develop their spiritual relationship with Allah and build their faith and beliefs. To do so, daily prayers and recitals of the Quran are common actions made to display their ability to be selfless. Another way in which followers of the Islamic religion show their dedication to Allah is by fasting between sunrise and sunset.
How to celebrate?
When fasts are broken, it is an opportunity to gather with family and friends to eat together. Fasting during Ramadan is usually broken at two times of the day, these are also known as Suhoor and Iftar.
Suhoor is the term used for the early morning breakfast which happens around 4am before the first prayer of the day is made. Iftar comes along after the evening prayer is made around 7:30 pm.
At the end of the month, Muslim communities gather together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This celebration spans across 3 days and is a chance to meet up with loved ones, share gifts, pray, eat traditional dishes and think about those who have passed.
Traditional foods to break fast
Suhoor:
A more nutritional meal is usually eaten to break the fast as it is the only way of obtaining energy for the rest of the day. A traditional Suhoor meal eaten in Pakistan is Aloo ki Bhujia, this dish contains potatoes spiced with ingredients like turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander and chilli powder.
Iftar:
Dates are typically eaten at Iftar as it is said to be the food that the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast by eating the fibre-some food. However, today there are various dishes that are eaten such as mixed rice dishes with vegetables like aubergines, peppers and tomatoes.
Prepare your fasting dishes with our delicious ingredients at Sing Kee!
