Sunrise to sunset: The Twilight Taste of Ramadan

Kids & Parents

Sunrise to sunset: The Twilight Taste of Ramadan

It is the second week of Ramadan! The holy month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims from all around the world fast from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is one of the five main pillars of Islam, so the month of Ramadan is very important to Muslims.

It is a time of spiritual renewal, a time to build a strong relationship with God, family, friends, the community and themselves. During this time, Muslims read the Quran, pray, meditate, do acts of worship that help them to become closer to God and help them improve themselves as overall human beings. In addition, in Ramadan Muslims give Zakat (charity) to those in need. Although, some Muslims give charity throughout the year, the month of Ramadan is a special time to give Zakat.

Muslim clerics scan the horizon for the crescent moon that will determine the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 8, 2013. — Credit: AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim

Malaysian Muslims eat during Iftar, the sunset meal when Muslims break their fast in the holy month of Ramadan in Shah Alam, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, July 10, 2014. — Credit: AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin

Growing up, I always looked forward to the month of Ramadan. There was so much to do and were so many family members around. I especially looked forward to the sweets. It was and still is a time when aunts, uncles, cousins, friends would gather in a house and break their fast together. To this day, I still look forward to the same event and family members gathering at the dinner table. And of course, I still look forward to one of my favorite parts -- the sweets.

A pastry chef holds a tray of Arabic sweets at his bakery in Gaza City on the eve of the start of Ramadan, on July 9, 2013. — Credit: Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images

There are so many different recipes (sweets and meals) that some prepare specifically in Ramadan.

All over the world you can witness how different communities prepare and celebrate Ramadan. People decorate their houses, windows, and lawns, and some countries put up lanterns, lights and banners throughout the streets. Families choose how they want to decorate and not all choose to decorate. You can find some decorating themes. There are also fun crafts ideas kids can complete.

Here are some more resources I like, if you'd like to explore further.