For practicing Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan leading up to a festival of feasting, requires a significant adjustment to behaviour and lifestyle. The most notable of these changes, of course, is from sunrise to sunset.
In fact, most Muslims , is more than just a religious obligation but an act of empathy and solidarity.
According to Sydney–based Rohingya refugee, educator and advocate , “By feeling hunger and thirst ourselves, we are reminded of the vulnerability of those in marginalised communities. It teaches us resilience, patience, and gratitude for the blessings we have.”
And for those who are fasting, this is what makes the two meals of even more memorable. Each day, after the sunset prayer, Muslims break their fast with iftar, the first meal of the day. It’s often broken with a glass of water or juice, dates, soup or sweet snacks, followed by main meals. The second and final meal of the day, usually known as suhoor (although different cultures use different terms) is eaten just before dawn and is made up of lighter breakfast-style dishes including fresh fruit.
Ba'at is a traditional Lebanese bread often eaten before fasting begins each day during Ramadan. Source: Supplied / Lina Jebeile
Always be on time
If you have been invited to an iftar, make sure you arrive on time. While punctuality always shows good etiquette, it is particularly important with iftar, as your hosts have probably been fasting all day – and custom usually dictates that everyone at the table breaks their fast together.
Food Creative and founder of , Karima Hazim Chatila, emphasises the importance of timing as it involves prayers as well. “Don’t eat until the maghreb (sunset) prayer has been heard,” she says. It’s also essential not to wait to serve the food. “Generally guests want to eat immediately and food should be already on the dining table,” Hazim Chatila adds.
Take Ramadan-friendly food gifts
If attending an iftar, it’s considered polite to bring something – and unsurprisingly, food gifts make for a great option.
Sydney–based culinary teacher says there are many options. “Usually on the way to the iftar we stop at our local Lebanese/Syrian/Turkish sweet shop and buy a few kilos of sweets,” she says. “ are another popular and appreciated gift as the majority of Muslims break their fast with a date before they commence eating other food.”
It is customary to bring a gift when invited to an iftar. Source: iStockphoto / .shock/Getty Images
She recommends either purchasing them ready–to–drink in the fridge section at Arabic grocers or Arabic mini supermarkets. Alternatively, you could also buy the concentrate syrup from the latter stores and mix the drinks at home, to add a personal touch.
Be sensitive and food-aware
Whether in the workplace, in public or around neighbours, if you are around people who are fasting, there are simple ways non–Muslims can be thoughtful.
It's good to be aware and mindful of those fasting when eating in the office. Credit: AzmanL/Getty Images
Share Ramadan–appropriate foods
Navigating Ramadan can be a learning experience not only for non-Muslims, but also for people who may not be active practising Islam, or new to observing the fast.
If you are entertaining guests who fast during this month, or are planning to host an iftar for the first time, there are many dishes to serve that are traditionally eaten at Ramadan. These can vary based on people’s heritage. In food writer and chef Anissa Helou’s cookbook, Feast: Food of the Islamic World, she explains that people hailing from the Arabian Gulf with dates and water. Those from the Levant might break theirs with apricot leather juice and . While Indonesian Muslims break their fast with drinks and sweet snacks.
Other common dishes can include, as well as , which helps to hydrate and nourish post–fast.
Give to others
Giving back, especially to those experiencing hardship, is an integral tenet of Ramadan. Feeding others through iftar, or by giving food to the needy are all considered righteous deeds.
“Supporting those in need is seen as an essential duty. It’s a way to cleanse oneself of greed and show gratitude for the blessings we have, while also helping to alleviate the suffering of others,” Azizah says.
“Both Muslims and non–Muslims can contribute by donating food or financial resources to organisations that support refugees, or other communities facing poverty. This can include donating to local mosques, community organisations, or larger humanitarian efforts focused on food aid for displaced persons.”
