Morocco during Ramadan
Feb 3rd, 2015, 01:14 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Morocco during Ramadan
My friend and I have been thinking about visiting Morocco in late June. As we start to plan, it has come to our attention that this will be at the beginning of Ramadan. We currently live in Saudi Arabia, so fully understand what the holiday entails (and Saudi is very traditional). We had planned to see more of the cities (Marakketch, Fes and Chefchaouen) rather than nature and desert safari. We have read really conflicting reviews on travel to morocco during Ramadan and I'm hoping someone could give me insight. We are at a point of deciding if it is worth going or not.
We really want to see Morocco and the vibrant culture. Neither of us are night owls, so experiencing the all night Ramadan activities isn't too enticing. We are aware of the food and beverage restrictions, and know how to handle that. I'm looking more for feedback on activities and sights during the day. We are seasoned travelers and know how to adapt, however we would very disappointed to go and not really get to see or do much.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
We really want to see Morocco and the vibrant culture. Neither of us are night owls, so experiencing the all night Ramadan activities isn't too enticing. We are aware of the food and beverage restrictions, and know how to handle that. I'm looking more for feedback on activities and sights during the day. We are seasoned travelers and know how to adapt, however we would very disappointed to go and not really get to see or do much.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Feb 3rd, 2015, 09:51 PM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sallam 'lekum hulio,
Bedar rightly presumes that as you already have an idea about life during Ramadan due to living in Saudi Arabia, you shouldn't experience anything that you haven't already come across. I will also be travelling around Morocco at the commencement of Ramadan this year, and have given this information to my fellow travelers...
RAMADAN
Ramadan—the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar—is when Mohammed received the first of his revelations from God, or as the Muslims describe it: when the Koran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation”. Ramadan in 2015 is expected to begin on the 18th of June, two days before the end of our safari.
It is during Ramadan that Muslims observe a strict fast—originally modeled on similar Jewish and Christian practices—and is intended as a time of worship and contemplation. During the day all forms of consumption are forbidden including eating, smoking, drinking and any form of sexual contact. However, this is only the outward show of what is intended as a deeper, spiritual cleansing and strengthening of faith. One hadith says "There are many who fast all day and pray all night, but they gain nothing but hunger and sleeplessness.”
All Muslims who have reached puberty and are able to do so are expected to observe the fast of Ramadan. It is generally accepted that the elderly and the chronically ill are ‘exempt’, as are those who are sick or traveling, mothers who are nursing, and menstruating or pregnant women, all of whom are encouraged to feed one poor person for every day of fasting missed. Children are also not required to fast, although their families may encourage them to do so for part of a day or for a few days during the month so as to begin to experience this particular aspect of Ramadan.
At the end of the day the fast is broken with a light meal followed by the sunset prayer, which is then followed by an evening meal called the iftar. Muslims are encouraged to share iftar with family, friends and neighbors as well as the poor and non-Muslims. The fast is resumed the next morning, traditionally when "you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight". The last ten days of Ramadan are considered especially important and many Muslims retreat to their mosque or other community centers for prayer and reciting the Koran. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is a special night of prayer commemorating Mohammed receiving the first revelation of the Koran. It is believed that this is when heaven is open to the faithful and God determines the course of the world for the following year. When the crescent of the new moon of the tenth month rises, Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Fast Breaking). The feast lasts for three days and besides an obviously religiously significant time, it is also a time for social festivities. Friends and family congregate to greet and congratulate each other, older family members and neighbors are visited and loved ones who have passed away are remembered. Villages and towns may also hold festivals or events to celebrate this time.
How will Ramadan influence our 2015 Morocco Safari? In a practical sense, our extensive knowledge of Morocco and Darren’s excellent relationship with our local guides, restaurants and accommodations will ensure that any inconvenience is minimal. Morocco is a relatively modern country and Moroccans understand that business must go on and that the non-Muslim world is still working and traveling. The most visible part of the Ramadan day for us is at the end of the day. The half hour or so before sunset is a frantic rush for Moroccans to finish their work, pack up their shop, and head home for the breaking of the fast. Some travelers complain of abrupt service and irregular opening hours during Ramadan, even the noise generated by masses of Moroccans enjoying the nightly ‘freedom’ from the fast—which can admittedly continue sometimes through to dawn. However, by simply displaying a bit of respect, knowledge and restraint we can at the very least still enjoy our travels, whilst showing even a hint of inquisitiveness can result in an invitation to share in some of the brotherhood and deep sense of faith that abounds in Morocco during Ramadan. We consider it an added bonus that we will experience a day or two of this truly spiritual time within Morocco, and we’re sure our fellow travelers will feel the same.
Happy travels hulio.
Darren Humphrys
Bedar rightly presumes that as you already have an idea about life during Ramadan due to living in Saudi Arabia, you shouldn't experience anything that you haven't already come across. I will also be travelling around Morocco at the commencement of Ramadan this year, and have given this information to my fellow travelers...
RAMADAN
Ramadan—the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar—is when Mohammed received the first of his revelations from God, or as the Muslims describe it: when the Koran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation”. Ramadan in 2015 is expected to begin on the 18th of June, two days before the end of our safari.
It is during Ramadan that Muslims observe a strict fast—originally modeled on similar Jewish and Christian practices—and is intended as a time of worship and contemplation. During the day all forms of consumption are forbidden including eating, smoking, drinking and any form of sexual contact. However, this is only the outward show of what is intended as a deeper, spiritual cleansing and strengthening of faith. One hadith says "There are many who fast all day and pray all night, but they gain nothing but hunger and sleeplessness.”
All Muslims who have reached puberty and are able to do so are expected to observe the fast of Ramadan. It is generally accepted that the elderly and the chronically ill are ‘exempt’, as are those who are sick or traveling, mothers who are nursing, and menstruating or pregnant women, all of whom are encouraged to feed one poor person for every day of fasting missed. Children are also not required to fast, although their families may encourage them to do so for part of a day or for a few days during the month so as to begin to experience this particular aspect of Ramadan.
At the end of the day the fast is broken with a light meal followed by the sunset prayer, which is then followed by an evening meal called the iftar. Muslims are encouraged to share iftar with family, friends and neighbors as well as the poor and non-Muslims. The fast is resumed the next morning, traditionally when "you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight". The last ten days of Ramadan are considered especially important and many Muslims retreat to their mosque or other community centers for prayer and reciting the Koran. Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) is a special night of prayer commemorating Mohammed receiving the first revelation of the Koran. It is believed that this is when heaven is open to the faithful and God determines the course of the world for the following year. When the crescent of the new moon of the tenth month rises, Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Fast Breaking). The feast lasts for three days and besides an obviously religiously significant time, it is also a time for social festivities. Friends and family congregate to greet and congratulate each other, older family members and neighbors are visited and loved ones who have passed away are remembered. Villages and towns may also hold festivals or events to celebrate this time.
How will Ramadan influence our 2015 Morocco Safari? In a practical sense, our extensive knowledge of Morocco and Darren’s excellent relationship with our local guides, restaurants and accommodations will ensure that any inconvenience is minimal. Morocco is a relatively modern country and Moroccans understand that business must go on and that the non-Muslim world is still working and traveling. The most visible part of the Ramadan day for us is at the end of the day. The half hour or so before sunset is a frantic rush for Moroccans to finish their work, pack up their shop, and head home for the breaking of the fast. Some travelers complain of abrupt service and irregular opening hours during Ramadan, even the noise generated by masses of Moroccans enjoying the nightly ‘freedom’ from the fast—which can admittedly continue sometimes through to dawn. However, by simply displaying a bit of respect, knowledge and restraint we can at the very least still enjoy our travels, whilst showing even a hint of inquisitiveness can result in an invitation to share in some of the brotherhood and deep sense of faith that abounds in Morocco during Ramadan. We consider it an added bonus that we will experience a day or two of this truly spiritual time within Morocco, and we’re sure our fellow travelers will feel the same.
Happy travels hulio.
Darren Humphrys
