Layla Hassanali on how Ramadan brings her closer to faith, family and food – plus the best places to have iftar in London
21 March 2023
“No, not even water!” A phrase that resonates with the 1.9 billion Muslims across the globe who are preparing to observe fasting during Ramadan. This holy month, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, mandates that non-disabled adult Muslims fast from dawn until dusk for 30 days. Ramadan is regarded as one of the most sacred months in Islam, with believers recognizing it as the time when the Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet. During this period, Muslims strive to enhance their spirituality and draw closer to Allah through fasting. This practice not only fulfills one of the five pillars of Islam but also fosters compassion and gratitude among practitioners.
The Joy of Ramadan Traditions
Growing up, Ramadan was undeniably one of my favorite times of the year. I fondly remember waking up in the early morning hours with my family for suhoor, the meal consumed before the fast begins at dawn. As a child, it was exhilarating to enjoy a mini feast in the early hours with my older siblings and parents. I would eagerly count down the minutes to savor a large glass of water before the fasting commenced.
An hour before iftar, the fast-breaking meal after sunset, my mother would be busy frying up platefuls of delicious samosas, bhajis, and pakoras for us children to distribute to our neighboring families. The short walk to their homes with a plate of hot, fresh food would stoke my excitement, and the delightful treats we received in return were always worth the effort. If we weren’t breaking our fast at home, we would gather at a relative or family friend’s house for iftar together. This meant a full 30 days filled with late nights, tantalizing fried foods, joyous reunions with friends, and of course, the eagerly awaited Eid gifts at the end—pure bliss for a 9-10-year-old!
Shifting Perspectives
However, as life evolves, so do our experiences. My siblings began to get married, move out, and start families, leading our suhoor experiences to transform from elaborate breakfasts to quick bowls of cereal. Consequently, iftar also changed; the rush of school or university coursework replaced leisurely meals. That special magic that Ramadan once held over me began to diminish as I faced a new reality. Eventually, I moved out of my family home and embraced Ramadan traditions for my own family.
Ramadan Today
Fast forward to today, Ramadan is different yet still meaningful. While some beloved traditions are slowly fading, new ones are continuously being formed. Now that I am a parent, Ramadan holds a different significance. I still enjoy freshly fried samosas (or five!) at iftar and treasure the moments spent with friends during this month. More importantly, Ramadan has become a 30-day period for deep reflection on my personal growth over the past year and for nurturing my relationship with Allah. I am committed to ensuring Ramadan remains special for my children, just as my mother did for us.
Observing Ramadan in the UK
Observing Ramadan in the UK has notably improved. It appears that the UK has gradually started to understand the essence of Ramadan, allowing Muslims to feel less isolated during this sacred month. Events like the Eid In The Square festival, hosted by the Mayor of London, have become wonderful opportunities for communal gathering among Muslims. Additionally, initiatives such as charitable iftars across the country and various establishments offering special iftar menus enable Muslims to break their fast outside of home and openly share their Ramadan experiences with the wider community.
Indeed, London’s diverse food scene is rich with eateries that offer exciting iftar options. Whether you are looking for traditional dishes or modern takes on classic cuisine, the choices are abundant. Embrace the spirit of Ramadan within your community and celebrate this special month with delicious meals and meaningful connections.
