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Ramadan

Ramadan in Morocco: An American Experience

The holy month of Ramadan is well underway here in Morocco and other Arabic nations around the world. For Muslims, this month is completely different from the other months of the year, and is a time for self-reflection, charity, prayer, and, of course, fasting. Fasting lasts from sunrise to sunset, and Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, and intimate relations during this time. Since the start of Ramadan in March this year, the city of Rabat has changed drastically, and I feel very grateful to have the chance to spend this Ramadan here in Morocco.

Although this is not my first time living the month of Ramadan in an Islamic country, this is my first time experiencing it here in Morocco, and my first time attempting a full fast alongside my Moroccan friends. Last year, I eased my way into Ramadan by attempting a fast from food, but I still allowed myself to drink water, which for me, like many people, is the most difficult part of fasting. This year, while still occasionally giving myself some grace as needed, I am trying to participate in the full fast of Ramadan as much as possible. 

Since I live alone here

And a solitary Iftor (breakfast) after a day of fasting is a lonely Iftor, I have filled my schedule with invitations from my many amazing and hospitable friends and neighbors to celebrate breaking our fast together. I have been invited into homes all over and outside of the city, and have been consistently amazed at the hard work and long hours that go into preparing a full feast, with tables creaking beneath the weight or food spread out and shared on the floor for extra space. For me, this has been the true spirit of Ramadan, the joy and comfort I have found as I am welcomed into a family with open arms. 

During these meals

while my friends will translate between me and family members, I also have the distinct pleasure of practicing my Darija with everyone around the table. In between bites of tajine or bTbouT m3mr, I perfect my introductions to the parents and grandparents, explaining who I am and what I am doing in Rabat. The younger siblings and cousins giggle as they point to all the food on the table and I butcher the pronunciation. The warmth of these gatherings needs no translation, and I send silent messages of gratitude out into the world, hoping they reach my family back home as well as the new family sitting right across the table. 

One of the main facets of the month of Ramadan is the idea of charity

Or giving back. Part of the fasting aims to help Muslims increase their empathy for those who go without food or water everyday, and so many people work together to gather and spread supplies to others who might need support. I am so blessed and not in need, but maybe my friends here can sense that sometimes we all can use a little extra love. Through these invitations and Iftors, they’ve been offering these acts of service to me during Ramadan as well, showing me the true meaning of this month, of Moroccan hospitality, and what it means to create a new family halfway across the world from my first home.

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