Ramadan,also called ‘The Month of Forgiveness and Mercy’, is considered the most awaited and sacred month of the Islamic calendar by Muslims. During this month, they engage in various acts of worship to draw closer to God. Some of the main activities observed during Ramadan include fasting from dawn until sunset, performing Salat al-Taraweeh, giving charity (Zakaat), engaging in more Qiyam ul-Layl (the night prayer), abstaining from foul language, and focusing on improving their relationships with family and friends.It is also during this month that the Holy Book of Islam, the Quran, was revealed to the Prophet and founder of the religion,Muhammad(PBUH).
Ramadan in Mauritius
The month of Ramadan is widely celebrated in Mauritius by the Muslims who inhabit the island. They strive to observe the month as authentically as possible by following the practices of their Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), adhering to his Sunnahs, which essentially encompass his habits and lifestyle,even though some of their practices are heavily influenced by their ancestors from India and Pakistan.
Preparation: Muslims usually start preparing for Ramadan a few weeks before the moon is sighted. They begin shopping for prayer outfits, food items, and other essentials they will need during the month. Some even start fasting a few days earlier to get into the right mindset and to help their bodies adjust for the upcoming month.
Mark of The Beginning: Typically, all Muslims begin searching for the moon as soon as the sun sets on the estimated date, the night before the official start of the new month. They seek assistance from meteorologists to identify regions where moon visibility is likely to be better. Many head to the beach, boarding small boats to search for the moon and inform others of its sighting. If the moon is not seen, they repeat the search the following night. If it remains unseen, they commence fasting the next morning regardless, as this suggests that human error occurred or that the weather was unfavourable for the moon to appear. Once the moon is sighted, everyone exchanges greetings with their fellow Muslim family and friends, embracing even those with whom they previously had disagreements, as for them,the month of Mercy has begun!
Some people even distribute small Ramadan Favours to wish their loved ones for the beginning of the sacred month.
Some of the Ramadan Favours are listed below:
- Date and Nuts Box
- Napolitaine and other pastries
- Mini bottles of ZamZam water
- Chocolate Box
- Handmade or store bought cards
Many small businesses in Mauritius are able to make profits due to an increase in demand for these items during this time of the year.
Daily Life During Ramadan
Mornings in Ramadan: Muslims generally begin their mornings in Ramadan a few hours before sunrise, spending time engaging in extra acts of worship and seeking God’s forgiveness, which holds great significance in Islam. Muslims believe that asking for forgiveness from Allah keeps them humble and is something beloved to Him.
After praying, it is mostly the women and children who head to the kitchen to prepare warm meals for the family. The children enjoy helping and find it fun and exciting to wake up early to assist their parents in getting everything ready for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins.
In Islam, children who have not yet reached puberty are not required to fast. However, many still wake up for Suhoor, even though most will not fast throughout the day. If they do attempt to fast, they are often only able to keep it for a few hours before their parents encourage them to eat something, or they eventually give in to hunger themselves.
Days during Ramadan: As the sun rises, everyone begins their usual daily activities. The heat of the tropical island of Mauritius during Ramadan is often described by Muslims as ‘just something else’. However, they find encouragement in the support shown by their non-Muslim friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, who offer words of encouragement or are mindful not to eat or drink in front of those who are fasting. This is one of the many beautiful aspects of Mauritius’ multi-faith community!
Nights during Ramadan: The nights are the most special and emotional part of Ramadan. Iftar, the meal that Muslims have at sunset to break their fast, is when everyone gathers at the dinner table after a long, tiring day.
Some of the special treats during Iftar are:
- Date (also known as tam in Mauritius)
- Zamzam water (Water which is Holy in Islam)
- Samosa
- Bhajiya,Chana Puri and Gato Pima (Mauritian Delicacies)
- Fruit Salad
- Alouda (Similar to Falooda)
Night Prayer
Night prayers, also known as Qiyam-ul-Layl, hold great significance in Islam.
Muslims spend their nights praying Taraweeh at the mosque and later wake up during the last third of the night to pray Tahajjud.
Taraweeh: Additional Salah (prayer) that is prayed in mosques in congregation.
Tahajjud: Muslims typically pray Tahajjud during the last third of the night, as they believe that Allah descends to the lowest heaven at that time to grant forgiveness, among other things they may ask from Him.
Religious talks: In the month of Ramadan, usually on the 27th night, religious gatherings are organised at the Jummah Masjid, located in the capital of the island, where Muslims reunite to celebrate Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree. This is the night when they believe their fate is written for the coming year. They spend the night seeking God’s mercy and engaging in various acts of worship.
The End of The Sacred Month
During the last ten days of the sacred month, Muslims, especially men, observe I’tikaf. This is when Muslims stay in mosques, away from worldly life, and live in seclusion, where they do not speak or interact with anyone unless essential. There, they spend their days and nights strictly in the worship of God. Women may also do the same but at home, as they are the primary caregivers for their children and other family members.
Eid:Finally, on the tenth night, Muslims look for the moon to declare the end of the month and celebrate Eid the next day. Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the moon becomes visible. As soon as the moon is sighted, mosques sound a siren to announce its sighting. Women, especially young girls, apply henna to their hands and begin preparing sweet delicacies for the following morning.
Mornings on Eid: Muslims wake up, get ready, and wear new clothes and perfume, as it is Sunnah to smell good. They leave the house to pray Fajr which is the first of the five daily prayers that Muslims have to do and must attend the Eid prayer, which is obligatory for men to perform at the mosque. After the prayer, they greet their fellow Muslims with a traditional hug, done three times. Everyone usually spends this day with their families, and some Mauritians like to go to the beach and enjoy a day by the sunny seaside with their loved ones.
Some typical Eid Delicacies are:
- Biryani(especially beef and lamb)
- Dates with nuts
- Sewaya(also called as Vermicelle in Mauritius)
Muslims not only enjoy these delicious foods themselves but also share them with their non-Muslim friends, especially in Mauritius, where people are huge fans of a plate of Biryani paired with an ice-cold Pepsi!
