The night before Ramadan, Muslims look for the first appearing of the moon and then begin fasting the next day. Some will watch for an announcement on TV telling them Ramadan has begun. In some countries, Muslims will then go to the Hammam on this night to do a thorough washing before beginning the fast.
During Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink, have sex or smoke between sunrise and sunset. Many of the women wear a jalaba (a long robe type dress) during this month.
Many Muslims see this month as a time to draw near to God. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, so most see fasting as obligatory if they hope to gain entrance into Heaven. In Europe, although Muslims are far from their home countries, many will still observe the fast. Halal meat markets are busy at this time of year trying to meet the requests of the Muslim immigrants. Women are busy preparing the food each day as families gather together to break the fast at sunset. Please pray for Muslims in Europe. Ask that as Muslims desire to become closer to God during Ramadan, they will find the one true God.
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I was at the post office the other day in my North African country. The couple next to me was boxing up a very large box addressed to France. Inside the box were only two things....a large bucket full of shebakia and another lareg bucket of sleu ....obviously intended to help their family members in France celebrate the break"fast" as they would at home.
Within the next week or so I'll feature this blog on my blog as I write about the opportunity of reaching Muslims in Europe. I'm glad this blog is out there.
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