During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world visit Makkah to spend their Holy days in the holiest place on earth. Ramadan in Makkah is a grand celebration of commitment and submission to Allah. Also known as Ramzan, the month of Ramadan is the month of trying our best to do good deeds and earn the thawab in this virtuous month.
From sunrise to sunset, Muslims must practice self-discipline and abstain from food and drink during certain hours. They usually spend their time reading Al Qura’n. Lasting 29-30 days, Ramadan is the time when the Muslim community abstains from drinking or eating anything from dawn to dusk. The meal consumed before dawn is known as Sahour, while the post-sunset meal, with which Muslims break the fast, is called Iftar.
Social feasts are a common occurrence of iftar in Makkah; as it is a great time for friends and family to come together and enjoy delicious foods as one. If you are planning an iftar celebration, be sure to consider the following menus, each sourced from a distinct corner of the Islamic world.
Iftar tables in Makkah are filled with all kinds of Hijazi pastries, ending the fast with the famous meal the star of Ramadan Hijazi soup with the most commonly loved juice called Sobia.
Desserts are just as exciting. One of the famous types of Hijazi desserts is called Luqaimat (meaning “bite-sized” in Arabic), a delicious dumpling made of flour, sugar, starch, saffron, cardamom powder, and dry yeast, dipped in sugar syrup, usually served with Saudi Coffee.
After the Iftar, people start preparing themselves to go to Tarawih prayers in Masjid Al Haram or in the nearest Masjid they find.
So, when does Ramadan in Makkah end? When the next crescent moon is sighted, the festival of Eid-Al-Fitr is celebrated with new clothes, special prayers, visits to family and friends, and of course a ton of food. Then life will go back to normal until Ramadan next year.
