The culinary unity within Ramadan Daily News (via HT Media Ltd.)
Globally, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar heralds the period of religious fasting. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection, renunciation and devotion. The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramadi – meaning dryness. Thousands of adults and youth faithfully adhere to the sacred fast whilst working or attending university. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. The observance is one of the five pillars of Islam. Iftar is the symbolic meal that breaks the day’s fast. In order to appreciate the cultural and culinary heritage of Iftar we must understand the cultural background from where the religion of Islam was propagated. In keeping with the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, the fast is broken by eating three dates. This is followed by drinking a rice-based porridge or faluda (chilled milk infused with rose essence).