Ramadan in Mauritius

One of the most important aspects of Ramadan is that Muslims should successfully complete 29-30 days of fasting without consuming any food or drink during the day

Ramadan is a highly spiritual event that forces one to truly evaluate and purify all aspects of their life. It may appear to be an individual effort, but Ramadan is essentially an occasion which gathers all family members and relatives.

During this period, strict observance of fasting is called for. Muslims cannot eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum between dawn and sunset. One of the most important aspects of Ramadan is that Muslims should successfully complete 29-30 days of fasting without consuming any food or drink during the day. It is worth noting a few things about eating habits in Ramadan:

All the foods that Muslims consume are Halal (food seen as permissible according to Islamic Law).
Traditionally, dates are a common favorite during this month, used to both start and end the day.
Breads, soups, fresh fruits and vegetables are also served daily, along with savories such as samosas.

Importance of the Month of Ramadan in Islam

Ramadan is a very blessed month and it entails several aspects, which enhances its significance and importance in the lives of Muslims, these include the month being seen as:

Month of fasting - This particular aspect highlights the fact that Muslims are to observe self-discipline.
Month of reciprocity - Muslims should give alms to underprivileged people to be conscious of the fact that interdependence and unity are primordial.
Month of patience - Those observing the fasts are made aware that they need to be patient in life so as to face difficulties with greater ease.
Month of Holy Quran - One grows more conscious about the holy scriptures of Islam.
Month of spiritual development and training - Muslims become more percipient about the need to dedicate themselves to spirituality.
Month of forgiveness - This aspect actually urges sinners to ask for forgiveness to Allah after having achieved sufficient fasts.

Ramadan in Mauritius

Mauritius, being a multi-racial country, shows slight lenience in an array of ways during this holy month in contrast with traditional Islamic countries. Firstly, Muslims in Mauritius do not give up their daily routine and work despite the apparent hardships caused by the fasting. Restaurants are not closed and people are allowed to eat on the streets. Some restaurants such as Zub Express in Flic-en-Flac offer free food to all those who are observing fasts in the morning and also in the afternoon when Muslims are breaking their fasts. This certainly gives a glimpse of the interdependence that exists among Muslims in Mauritius.

Importance of the Month of Ramadan

Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and this is a day where Muslims around the world try to show a common goal of unity. Eid is one of the island's national holidays and is declared a holiday after the new moon has been sighted by the Government of Mauritius (consulting with the Jummah Masjid of Port Louis). Just like other Islamic countries, Eid is celebrated across Mauritius, with the preparation of a feast, which typically includes the "briyani" (a typical Persian dish much appreciated all around India and oriental countries -made with spices, rice and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables). Men perform the Eid prayer at the local mosques or at the Eidgah (an open-air enclosure for Eid prayers). Cultural shows are usually performed in the days that follow Eid across Mauritius.

Indeed, Eid-Ul-Fitr is the time for festivity as the literal meaning of the word “Eid” indicates. You will be able to feel the enthusiasm and joy with which Muslims residing in Mauritius celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr if you choose to visit our island during that period!

Ramadan in Mauritius

Importance of the Month of Ramadan in Islam

Ramadan in Mauritius

Importance of the Month of Ramadan

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