Ramadan in Palestine: Favorite iftar and suhoor dishes

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Ramadan is a month-long observance in the Islamic calendar where Muslims fast from dawn till dusk. It is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-discipline. In Palestine, Ramadan holds a special significance for Muslims, as it is a time of communal solidarity and familial bonding.

During Ramadan, Muslims in Palestine break their fast at sunset with a meal called Iftar, and they eat a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. These meals are an essential part of the Ramadan experience in Palestine and are marked by specific dishes and traditions.

Iftar culture in Palestine

In Palestine, Iftar is a family affair. Family members gather together to break their fast and share a meal. They typically break their fast with dates and water, as it is a Sunnah (the way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims) of the Prophet Muhammad. After the dates, they may have soup or a lentil dish called Mujadara, which is made with rice, lentils, and caramelized onions.

In addition to Mujadara, Palestinians also enjoy a variety of other dishes for Iftar, such as Qatayef, which are sweet stuffed pancakes made with semolina flour and filled with nuts, cheese, or cream. Another popular Iftar dish is Fatayer, a savory pastry filled with spinach or cheese. In Gaza, a coastal city in Palestine, Iftar often includes seafood dishes such as Samak Mashwi, which is grilled fish.

Suhoor culture in Palestine

Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the start of the fast. Palestinians wake up before dawn to eat this meal to ensure they have enough energy to fast throughout the day. Suhoor is typically a light meal and may include dishes such as oatmeal, yogurt, and eggs.

One popular Suhoor dish in Palestine is Mana’eesh, which is a type of flatbread that is topped with za’atar, a blend of herbs and spices. It can also be filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Another Suhoor favorite is Qatayef, which is the same sweet stuffed pancakes that are often served for Iftar.

Ramadan traditions in Palestine

Ramadan is a time of community and solidarity in Palestine. Families often invite neighbors and friends over for Iftar, and mosques organize community Iftars for those who may not have anyone to share the meal with. It is also a time of increased charitable giving, and many Palestinians give Zakat, a mandatory charitable contribution, during Ramadan.

In addition to Iftar and Suhoor, there are other Ramadan traditions in Palestine, such as Taraweeh, which are special prayers that are performed in mosques every night during Ramadan. In the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims also observe Laylatul Qadr, which is considered the holiest night of the year.

Ramadan in Palestine is a time of spiritual reflection, communal solidarity, and familial bonding. The Iftar and Suhoor meals are an essential part of the Ramadan experience, and Palestinians enjoy a variety of traditional dishes during this time. It is a time of increased charitable giving, prayer, and community, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims in Palestine.

During Ramadan, many restaurants and hotels in Palestine offer Iftar and Suhoor meals for those who are unable to cook or prefer to dine out. These meals are often served in a buffet-style or set-menu format and feature a variety of traditional Palestinian dishes.

For Iftar, these meals may include appetizers such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel, followed by main courses such as Mansaf, a traditional Palestinian dish made with lamb, rice, and yogurt sauce, or Makloubeh, a dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables that is turned upside down when served.

For Suhoor, restaurants and hotels may offer a lighter meal that includes items such as foul, a dish made with fava beans, and labneh, a type of strained yogurt. They may also serve traditional breakfast items such as eggs, cheese, and bread.

In addition to these traditional dishes, many restaurants and hotels in Palestine also offer international cuisine during Ramadan, such as Italian and Chinese food. However, traditional Palestinian dishes remain the highlight of these meals, and many restaurants and hotels take pride in offering authentic Palestinian cuisine during Ramadan.

It is worth noting that during COVID-19 pandemic period, the way Iftar and Suhoor meals offered by restaurants and hotels had changed in Palestine, with more emphasis on takeout and delivery options rather than dine-in options. But now things have returned to normalcy.

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