Ramadan began April 23rd, just a few weeks ago. Ramadan lasts a whole month, so Ramadan will officially end on May 23rd. Ramadan is an annual celebration in the religion of Islam for people to reflect, fast and and pray. Usually, Ramadan provides a time for families to gather in order to celebrate. However, with the current COVID-19 restrictions in Jordan, this year's Ramadan feels much different than others.
I learned about the intricacies of Ramadan. For the whole month of Ramadan, those who celebrate are not allowed to eat or drink during the daytime -- and yes, this includes the drinking of water, as well. While not eating or drinking for over twelve hours a day may seem daunting to some people, there are many ways that those who practice minimize the feelings of hunger. I know for instance of many families who, during Ramadan, get up before sunrise, around three in the morning, so that they can cook and eat together before the sun rises-- a meal called suhoor. At sunset, the city streets are quiet and calm, because as people have told me multiple times, "everyone in Jordan is eating right now." This is iftar, the meal where families gather and break their fast with food and drink and celebrate with one another.
