A Festive Ramadan In Afghanistan: Traditions And Customs

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and it is celebrated with great fervour in Afghanistan. The month is marked by fasting, worship, recitation of the Holy Quran, and prayers. The last third of Ramadan is especially sacred as it commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Afghans often visit friends and family, prepare and share lavish meals, and attend special prayers. The festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and it is celebrated with prayers, new clothes, sweets, and gifts.

The first day of Ramadan is a public holiday in Afghanistan

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, a time of fasting, worship, prayer, and devotion. The month is marked by the observation of several traditions, including the recital of the Holy Quran, fasting during daylight hours, and the sharing of meals with family and friends. The first day of Ramadan is a public holiday in Afghanistan, with schools and most businesses closed for the day.

The date of the first day of Ramadan is determined by the lunar calendar, beginning when the Waxing Crescent Moon is observed in the evening sky. This often falls in the eighth month of the solar calendar. The month of Ramadan is considered a sacred time for Muslims, as it is believed to be when the first verses of the Koran (Qu'ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

In Afghanistan, the first day of Ramadan is marked by special significance. Families prepare and share meals, often including traditional dishes such as "Rooh Afza Sharbat", a cultural drink known as the "refresher of the soul", and "Iftar", the meal that breaks the fast. People also attend special prayers and wear new clothes.

The celebration of the first day of Ramadan in Afghanistan is a community affair, with people visiting friends and family. Children often receive gifts or money known as "Eidi". The holiday is also a time for charity, with Muslims giving to the poor and less fortunate.

For Afghans living outside of the country, celebrating the first day of Ramadan can be challenging, as they may be separated from their families and communities. However, they find ways to connect with their loved ones, such as through phone calls and video calls, and by sharing experiences and traditions with their new communities.

People prepare special dishes for the month

Ramadan is a time of reflection, piety, and charity, and Afghans prepare special dishes to mark the occasion. The month before Ramadan, many Afghans spend their free time shopping for groceries and preparing for the holy month.

The most popular food in Afghanistan during Ramadan is Polov. The special Afghan pickle, chatni, dates, and an Afghan sweet called Jelabi are also often found on dining tables during iftar time.

Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast. Muslims traditionally break the fast by eating dates and sipping water, as the Prophet Muhammad did. Many then gather with family or friends for the iftar meal.

Some other popular dishes during Ramadan include:

• Bolani: a pan-fried turnover filled with chopped scallions, pumpkin, or potatoes.
• Pakora: thin slices of potato dipped in a chickpea-flour batter and deep-fried.
• Sheer khurma: milk with dates, served in the morning of Eid as breakfast after prayer.
• Haft mewa: a fruit salad made with dried fruits and nuts.
• Qabili/Kabuli pulao: steamed rice and lamb, flavoured with raisins, carrot, and sweet spices.
• Aushak: leek and scallion dumplings cooked with vegetables.
• Korme Kofta: lamb meatballs.
• Chalow: rice with meatballs, usually lamb or beef, topped with onions, garlic, and eggs.

The month is marked by fasting and prayer

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and it is marked by fasting and prayer. During this time, Muslims around the world focus on prayer, fasting, giving to charity, and religious devotion. The month is also a time of reflection, piety, and gratitude.

Muslims believe that during Ramadan, the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The last third of Ramadan is especially holy as it commemorates the first verses of the Koran being revealed to the Prophet.

Fasting is observed from dawn to sunset during the entire month. The meal that breaks the fast is called 'Iftar'. Many Muslims break their fast by eating dates, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad. Families often cook and share meals together, and it is a time to give to charity.

Prayer is an important aspect of Ramadan. Muslims gather in mosques or open spaces to offer special prayers. One such prayer is "Salah, Taraweeh", a congregational prayer that is considered to have more spiritual benefits than praying alone. In Afghanistan, the adhan, the call to prayer, is broadcast from mosques.

The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated with prayers called "Salat Al Eid". It is a time to give money to the poor and to feast with family and friends.

The last third of Ramadan is particularly holy

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and it is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayer, fasting, giving to charity, and religious devotion. The month of Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days, commencing when the Waxing Crescent Moon is observed in the evening sky. The last third of Ramadan is particularly holy as it commemorates when the first verses of the Koran (Qur'an) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. The meal that breaks the fast is called 'Iftar'. Dates are a popular food to break the fast with, as it is said that the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with ripe dates before prayer.

In Afghanistan, the beginning of Ramadan is a public holiday. Schools and most businesses are closed. Traditionally, Afghans gather with friends and family to celebrate, preparing lavish meals and attending special prayers. However, the Taliban's takeover of the country has disrupted the usual celebrations, with many Afghans facing hunger and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

For Afghan refugees who have fled the country, celebrating Ramadan away from their homeland and loved ones can be challenging. They may miss the 'Salah, Taraweeh', a congregational prayer offered at mosques that is considered to have more spiritual benefits than praying alone. Despite the difficulties, refugees try to maintain their traditions and connect with their families through audio or video calls, praying for each other's safety and health.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer. It is one of the largest and most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

Muslims in Afghanistan celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a special Eid prayer called Salat Al Eid. This involves gathering in mosques or open spaces and offering two units of prayer, or "Rakat". The prayers are followed by a sermon, where the Imam asks for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for all beings across the world.

It is customary to wear new clothes and eat something sweet, such as dates, on the way to the mosque. The phrase "Eid Mubarak" is commonly used as a greeting, with the response being "Khair Mubarak".

Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Afghanistan, with schools and most businesses closed. It is a time for sharing great food with family and friends. Children usually receive gifts or money called "Eidi".

In Afghanistan, Eid al-Fitr is widely celebrated for three days and holds significant importance in the predominantly Sunni Muslim culture. Afghans start preparing for the festival up to ten days in advance by cleaning their homes and buying new clothes, sweets, and snacks.

On the day of Eid, Afghans first offer their prayers and then gather with their families, greeting each other with "Eid Mubarak". Family elders give gifts and money to children, and it is common to visit friends and relatives.

The Taliban announced a rare three-day ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr in 2018, the first since the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

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