Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims worldwide, is anticipated with great joy and reverence. Ghulam Mukhtar Shojaee, a 30-year-old baker from Rülzheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, expresses his excitement for the upcoming Ramadan, which this year will conclude on March 29. "An normalen Tagen bete ich zwei bis drei Mal am Tag. Wenn Ramadan ist, bete ich fünf Mal am Tag," he shares, noting the increase in prayer during this spiritually significant period.
The act of fasting, which includes abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, is not merely about physical sustenance. It is also deeply tied to community activities, particularly the cherished tradition of breaking the fast with friends and family. Shojaee explains how special evening gatherings for iftar, the meal to break the fast, bring joy: "Es gibt leckeres Essen und wir reden und haben Spaß," he reflects, emphasizing the laughter and joy shared during these moments.
Despite the challenges, Shojaee manages to fulfill his work commitments at his bakery, which starts with rising at the early hour of 2:30 AM. His day begins with prayer and breakfast before fasting starts. "Wenn ich Puddingknoten verkaufe, läuft mir das Wasser im Mund zusammen," he admits, highlighting the temptations of delicious baked goods throughout his working day. After work, he often takes naps to resist the urge to eat or drink before the sun sets.
Ramadan's timing varies each year due to the lunar calendar, and this time around, Shojaee is relieved it falls during the cooler months, as previous years had Ramadan coincide with the sweltering summer. "Es ist schon vorgekommen, dass Ramadan im Juni war und da war es sehr warm. Da ist es nochmal anstrengender, nichts zu trinken," he candidly shares.
According to Ulrich Pick from the SWR Redaktion Religion, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan, refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking. The fasting rules do permit exemptions; children, the elderly, travelers, pregnant women, and those who are ill are not required to fast, allowing flexibility for those who need it.
About 200,000 Muslims reside within Rhineland-Palatinate, with each individual bringing unique traditions and stories to the Ramadan experience. Shojaee, originally from Pakistan, has memories of his family during Ramadan. He fondly recalls his mother cooking delicious meals to break their fast, saying, "Ich erinnere mich dann viel an früher, wie meine Mutter während dem Ramadan leckeres Essen gekocht hat und wie wir dann zusammen gegessen und gelacht haben." His reminiscence is bittersweet, as he now finds himself living far from family and cultural connections he cherishes.
The month of Ramadan is not only a time of fasting but also one of reflection and personal growth. For Shojaee, it is the annual lesson of resilience; fasting teaches him to appreciate the significance of food and water even more deeply, as this powerful experience shapes his gratitude for daily necessities.
During this time of sacred observations, the bonds of community will deepen, and faith will flourish, creating everlasting memories. Each year, Ramadan invites Muslims like Ghulam Mukhtar Shojaee to celebrate their faith, solidify their connections with others, and reflect on their journeys, all under the auspices of shared experiences and treasured traditions.