Today begins Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. As I scroll down my news feed in social media in between work, I came to realize that even AI knows that I am preparing myself for the coming days. I smiled and thought of how the culinary traditions of Ramadan have transformed significantly over the past two decades. An exploration of the culture of eating during Ramadan has led me through an intricate tapestry of rituals, traditions, and social dynamics weaving our experiences of fasting and feasting during this sacred month.
My earliest experiences of fasting were in the early 2000s, when technology was (comparatively) still in its infancy. Life’s daily rhythms were dictated by the old-fashioned way, and the only reliable sources for knowing the times for sehri and iftar were national TV channels, local mosques, and the familiar sounds of our so-called friendly neighbourhood “dhol” team, which would strike up a cacophony that would rouse me to take a sip of water mere moments before fasting began.
Fast forward a decade, the culture of feasting had evolved with the advancement of technology. This transition was exemplified for me personally, when I came to realize that sehri was being served at Al Razzak, a local favourite in the Old Dhaka area. Despite the restaurant's longstanding tradition of offering 24/7 service throughout the year, the concept of dining out for sehri had eluded my awareness until I saw a friend’s post on social media.
I remember organizing a sehri night with my cousins, making sure that it was after the 26th night, which is perceived to be the most important and busiest night for people who observed the holy month. This discovery was not just a personal revelation but also reflected a broader trend of restaurants expanding their offerings to cater to the growing demand of dining preferences for Dhaka dwellers.
We must remember and fulfill our duty to continue to show compassion and provide support to those in dire need
As years passed, the evolution of Ramadan meal traditions continued. What began as humble iftar gatherings at home with near and dear ones, soon expanded beyond our four walls, encompassing outings to restaurants with friends. Sehri nights took on a new dimension, with those fortunate enough to own a car venturing out to partake in the pre-dawn meal at lavish restaurants across the city.
I recall times when securing a spot for iftar at a popular restaurant became a race against time. Arriving three hours early became the norm, as friends gathered to while away the hours with card games, debates, and laughter until the fast was finally broken. When the wait was over, we ate so much that I couldn’t at times bend down for ruku during taraweeh prayers.
Such was the anticipation that I often found myself envisioning the "buy one get one" sehri offers as I sprinted through the night prayers. The days and nights of Ramadan became a flurry of activity, filled with plans for feasting with friends and family, both at home and out at eateries. The perpetual question of what and where to plan for iftar and sehri echoed in conversations, along with discussions about which mosque hosted the fastest taraweeh prayers.
Today, as I find myself in my 30s, residing in the West, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the holy month of Ramadan are palpable even outside Bangladesh. I've seen the surge of advertisements of iftar buffets flood my news feed on social media. Each of these advertisements fighting for my attention, tempting me to select the most enticing offer.
Amidst the charm of lavish buffets and gastronomic indulgence, reaching this milestone in my life has prompted me to think more deeply about the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
We must take a step back and remember the true purpose behind what we eat during the holy month of Ramadan. Yes, we get to enjoy mouth-watering meals spread out on our tables with family and friends, but we must not lose the purpose of investing in long hours of fasting.
As we enjoy festivities and feasting throughout Ramadan, we must also be mindful of millions of our less fortunate brothers and sisters around the world. Hunger and deprivation have become the bane of their existence in many parts of the world suffering from wars, political unrest, and other systemic problems.
We must remember and fulfill our duty to continue to show compassion and provide support to those in dire need as we come together as family and friends to break bread from our fast.
Ramadan is a time for true reflection, inviting us to ponder not just the blessings we have, but also the duties and responsibilities to alleviate the difficulty of others, wherever they may be.
As Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has urged, this is the time to approach the month with consideration and reverence for its true purpose: “Self-reflection, spiritual growth, and good deeds by showing empathy and compassion.”
Ramadan Kareem.
Tahsin Mahmud Chowdhury is an engineering researcher currently working in the US tech industry.
