Ramadan 2023: Muslims prepare for a sacred month of reflection
A special time of the year for Muslims is fast approaching. Ramadan, as it is called, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered holy, so one must prepare accordingly for its observance. Mosques are thoroughly and explicitly cleaned for this occasion.
In Muslim countries, Ramadan begins this year on the evening of 28 February and ends on 29 March. This time is considered holy because 1,400 years ago, Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran. From dawn to dusk, the faithful refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.
Ramadan in Muslim countries
Fasting is one of Islam's five pillars, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, this does not mean that followers of Islam do not eat during Ramadan. Iftar is the first meal consumed after sunset, and suhur is the last meal before sunrise.
During Ramadan, fasting is not the only activity; it is primarily about prayer. Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day. During Ramadan, communal prayers recited in the evening after the fifth mandatory prayer are particularly important.
Great preparations
One must prepare appropriately for an essential time like Ramadan. This includes matters in the spiritual realm and matters like cleaning mosques, which have been carried out at full speed in recent days.
A specialised team ensures impeccable order in the famous Suleiman Mosque in Istanbul, one of Turkey's most renowned monuments. Similar work is conducted in other mosques across various Muslim countries. For example, in Egypt, cleaning is conducted under the supervision of national authorities.
Interestingly, not only mosques but even bakeries are being prepared. According to iHA, the Turkish municipality of Fatih inspected places that produce and sell bread. During the audit, prices, bread weights, and workplace hygiene were checked.
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