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:
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:
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.
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!
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