Are you on the fence about visiting Morocco during Ramadan? Don't be! Ramadan is a wonderful time to visit and have a unique cultural and religious experience.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan runs from the end of June to the end of July this year ( 2016 ) – and if you're planning on travelling to Morocco during Ramadan this time, you’re in for an utterly fascinating experience , daily life changes dramatically this month, giving visitors a chance to see a whole new side to these regions.
Travelling Morocco during ramadan :
Travelling Morocco during ramadan :
Ramadan hardly affects tourists to Morocco. Tourism is the largest form of income in Morocco, and the main changes you will notice are that offices and banks change their hours slightly and some shops close earlier for the staff to get home and eat their evening meal at sunset. Otherwise, shops and sights that you may want to visit are generally open as normal.
Food and drink (alcoholic or otherwise) is available throughout daylight hours in hotels and tourist restaurants. As a matter of respect, you should not walk in the streets eating or drinking and if you are in a shop, you should try not to smoke. In many ways, Ramadan is a good time to visit Morocco as it is less crowded and less busy and some hotels reduce their rates during Ramadan.
Following Ramadan is Ede, a three-day celebration. During this holiday it is more likely that shops (including the souks, but not restaurants) will be closed, and other services may be disrupted.
It should be noted that the first call to prayer occurs in the early hours of the morning (not only during Ramadan). Since this is often a loud siren it may awaken light sleepers or those in riads near to a mosque. If you are a light sleeper or are staying in a Riad, you may find earplugs useful!
- 2015 – 18th June – 17th July
- 2016 – 6th June – 5th July
- 2017 – 27th May – 24 June
A few tips for travelling Morocco during Ramadan :
- Be courteous – whilst no one expects you to fast, I still wouldn’t be scoffing my face with food in the middle of the market or drinking water in front of loads of people.
- Spent your mornings wandering the souks, shopping & haggling and then your afternoons relaxing in your Riad (the streets are MUCH quieter of an afternoon).
- Pack water and some snacks in your day bag (just incase you run into any difficulties finding food).
- Do your research and respect the culture, religion and customs & you’ll have an incredible experience in this amazing country.
- Don’t be concerned if you hear canons! They simply mark the start and end of each fasting day.
- Enjoy the experience! It won't feel like home but that's one of the joys of travelling is getting out of your comfort zone!
What is Ramadan ?
During the month of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn until sunset - that means eating nothing while it is daylight.
Children, pregnant women, the sick, the elderly and travellers don't have to fast , But the pregnant , sick and travellers needs to fast ramadan in the next month or when they can to fast as the sick when he feel better he has to fast a month as everyone ...
The Qur'an, the holy book followed by Muslims, was first revealed during the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God, and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to put forward more prayer than is customary.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam religion, and one of the main types of Islamic worship. Restraint from everyday enjoyment and curbing wicked intentions and cravings are considered as an act of compliance and obedience to God, as well as amends for sins, faults, and mistakes. Ramadan is also called Ramazan. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.
In comparison to the solar calendar, the Ramadan dates differ, moving forward approximately ten days every year due to the fact that it is a moving holiday which is dependent on the moon. Ramadan was the month in which the initial verses of the Qur'an were said to be shown to Muhammad, the Islamic Prophet.
The name "Ramadan" had been the name of the ninth month in Arabian tradition prior to the onset of Islam; the word itself originated from an Arabic root “rmd”, in words like "ramida" or "ar-ramad” which means severe heat, burnt ground as well as shortness of provisions. Individuals say it is named Ramadan because it burns out the sins with good deeds, as the sun scorches the ground. In the Qu'ran, God declares that "fasting has been written down upon you, as it was upon those before you". In accordance with the first hadith, this is in reference to the Jewish custom of fasting on Yom Kippur.
The lunar cycle determines the Islamic calendar, therefore the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month commences with a mixture of the sighting of the new moon as well as astronomical calculations. The precise time of Ramadan will at times vary from place to place because some depend a great deal on moon sightings, while others rely on science. An Imam which is a Muslim holy man will make known the correct time of Ramadan right before it begins. The fasting phase finishes upon the sighting of the next new moon, which take place after 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims of all ages. Even though fasting is compulsory for adults alone, children as young as eight readily watch fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the thrill of the moon sighting and eating unique meals with their relatives. Adults are grateful for the chance to double their rewards from God and ask for pardon for their past sins. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.
