After families enjoy their fast-breaking dates, they eat traditional soups made from lentil and a salad, such as the cucumber-and-yogurt fattoush. The main meal, usually enjoyed with extended family and friends, may center around lamb, beef or chicken (pork is forbidden by Islamic rules). Sweets are also eaten at this time.
When I attended Michigan State University and lived on campus in the university-provided apartments, many of my neighbors were from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Yemen, Qutar and other Middle Eastern countries. I learned about Ramadan from these generous people, who also introduced me to Middle Eastern cuisine by sending copious amounts of food to my door with one of their children. My favorite food was the triangular samosas, little puff pastries stuffed with a spicy meat filling. Many of the dishes featured lentils and yogurt, Ramadan foods that, according to tradition, are thought to soothe an empty stomach. I also learned to love hummus, a mashed chickpea and sesame-paste dip eaten with pieces of pita bread. Tabouli, another traditional dish made of bulgur, mint and parsley, is eaten at this time.
In addition to fasting and feasting during Ramadan, Muslims are expected to worship, read the Quran, give to charity, purify their behavior and do good deeds. Many Muslims see Ramadan as a welcome break in a cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence. It is a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are spent trying to come closer to God through devotions and good deeds. The 27th night, the time at which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Mohammed by the angel Gabriel, is considered "better than a thousand months," according to the Quran. Many Muslims spend this night in prayer.
At the end of Ramadan, a festive and joyous holiday called Eid, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is celebrated for 3 days. During this time, children receive gifts, money and sweets. Lights and other decorations are part of the festivities.
So, as Muslims around the world would say, "Atyab at-tihani bi-munasabat hulul shahru Ramadan al-Mubarak" (the most precious congratulations on the occasion of the coming of Ramadan) and "Kullu am wa antum bi-khair" (may you be well throughout the year)!
Here's a wonderful recipe for tabbouleh. This nutritious and tasty dish probably became a mainstay of American diets during the 1960s, when the vegetarian movement hit the U.S. For the best flavor possible, make sure all your ingredients are fresh.
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