Ramadan in Morocco
Below is the Calendar for Ramadan 1438 in Morocco.
It shows the Salah times - which are the times that Muslims perform prayers each day.
The reason I feel that this is useful is because it shows the start and end times of the daily fast. Also, for myself knowing more about what's going on will make the experience more rewarding.
There are 5 daily prayers, that are obligatory (fard) and they are performed at times determined by the sun and so the Salah times very in different places.
I think the times below are only specific to Marrakesh and may be different in the other cities we visit.
Fajr - is the dawn prayer, the start of Fajr is also the start of the days fast, it begins at morning twilight and ends at sunrise. Fasting starts from the call to prayer.
Dhuhr – the noon prayer. Dhuhr starts after the sun has passed its zenith and lasts until approx 20 minutes before Asr
Asr – the afternoon prayer. Asr starts when the shadow of an object is the same length as the object itself plus the shadow length at Dhuhr (I think that means when it is double it's length). The preferred time for the Asr prayer is before the sun starts to turn orange
Maghrib – the sunset prayer, the start of Maghrib is also the start of the break fast, or Iftar. Maghrib begins when the sun sets and lasts until the red light has left the sky in the west
Isha'a – the night prayer. This starts when the red light is gone and lasts until the rise of the white light in the east. The preferred time for Isha'a is before midnight, or halfway between sunset and sunrise.
Qiyam - an optional, extra, late night prayer
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Starts Saturday 27th May 2017 - the day after we arrive
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, falling approximately 11 days earlier each year.
Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. This fasting involves abstaining from food, all drink (including water, soft drinks and alcoholic), sexual relations, smoking and other vices between sunrise and sunset.
It is a time for Muslims around the world to purify the soul, refocus their attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking though; Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance.
Each day of fasting starts with prayers just before sunrise and there is a strong spiritual focus with observation of praying five times per day according to the rules of Islam. Just before the first dawn prayers of the day there is a special pre-fast meal called suhoor.
At the end of each day the fast is broken with a special meal called iftar (literally, break-fast), often starting with a glass of milk, dates and a hearty Moroccan soup called harira. Sweets and honey-drenched pastries called chbekia are also popular to replenish the sugar levels of a day of fasting.
Many Moroccans continue their working and home lives as normally as possible in order to demonstrate the strength of their faith in not letting Ramadan disturb their routine. However, more typically as a result of the fasting, the day tends to turn on its head, with activities such as shopping, socialising and family visits taking place after sunset, following the breaking of the fast. It is unusual to see much street life in the early mornings of Ramadan!
The end of the month long fast of Ramadan is marked by Eid el Fitr, one of the two most important Islamic Holidays of the year. Families travel to come together and celebrate. The celebration of Eid can last for several days and often shops, local businesses and public transport are affected. Larger hotels will continue unaffected.
There is no need to worry about changing your holiday plans in Morocco because they coincide with Ramadan. There will be some business that alter their opening hours e.g. offices, banks, bureaus de change etc. You may find that some small hotels, riads and guest-houses chose to close for the month so check in advance if you have a specific place in mind for your stay. In the main cities most restaurants and cafes that cater for the tourist market will remain fully operational.
In your hotel your stay will be mainly unaffected, but we suggest that you be sensitive to the fact that the staff working and delivering your holiday may be observing the fast.
We suggest during Ramadan that you refrain from drinking or eating in the street and to avoid smoking publicly in e.g. shops, private homes, rural areas, in a tour vehicle. Discretion, observation and sensitivity to those around you and to local cultural traditions is the best policy