Cost-of-living crisis takes a heavy toll on Ramadan traditions

On the 23rd of March, Ramadan month [Fasting Month] began all over the world where people  start to practice the social traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In my country, Syria, families are used to gathering at the family’s house on the first day of Ramadan where grandparents, children and grandchildren break their fast and share meals.

Em Majd, 38, told Syria Times: “ On the first day of Ramadan we must all come together. You can spend the second day at home but the first must be with the extended family. I went with my husband and children to the house of my father-in-law and we brought sweets to share after Iftar with my husband’s family. There were no various meals because of the sky-high prices of all food items.  I love this tradition despite the acute economic conditions because it keeps communication between family’s members” ”

However, Em Hosam, 55, told us that she misses this tradition as her children are living abroad and she breaks her fast at her house alone. “ Although I miss the tradition of breaking fast with my family, I exchange meals with my neighbors. After I prepare food for Iftar, I send a plate of food to my neighbour, who also sends me a plate of meal… This type of tradition strengthens the humanitarian spirit and social relationships.”

In the past, loud chatter and laughter of children could be heard as they ran to and from several nearby houses in popular areas carrying different types of food around half an hour before Maghreb prayer [Sunset- The time of Iftar] .

Exchanging meals with neighbours is rare nowadays due to the acute economic conditions in the country.

Nour, a mother of 2 children, said: “Ramadan is the most beautiful month of the year as relatives visit each other and share food at the same time. I still remember when my parents and I used to  gather at my grandparent’s house in Midan on the first day of Ramadan.. Women prepared various delicious dishes on the table at Iftar time and men would send meals to poor families before Iftar… Prophet Mohammad said: “Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs, without detracting from their reward.”

She indicated that over the past years, people used to invite each other for Iftar at restaurants to enjoy their times outside houses, but this is no longer possible now because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Syria has been hard hit financially due to the terrorist war on it and the suffocating sanctions-add to this the recent earthquake.

It is worthy to note that Muslims are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, during which those fasting must refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk to understand and empathise with the less fortunate.

When people feel the hunger of their empty stomachs, they remember their less-fortunate brothers and offer them what they can to make them happy.

Fasting is also healthy and increases well-being, as one organises their food and drink.

From the perspective of faith, fasting also draws people closer to God.

Interviewed by:  Basma Qaddour