In the month of Ramadan, all the way at the Red Sea coast, Jeddah is usually filled by
families who not only enjoy the beautiful sunset, but also gather to break their fast together. Many children run to and fro, romping with their brothers/sisters or playing on swings, slides, and trampolines. Ponies and camels adorned with red cloth
on their backs also attract the children who want to ride them down the beach. The air has begun to be warmer with breezy winds adding to the beauty of that afternoon. How I love this moment. Some of the families bring carpets or mats, thermoses that contain Arabic coffee, dates and shurbah (porridge made of oatmeal mixed with onions, tomatoes, and chicken) that are usually prepared as appetizers.
Traders pace the corniche, offering merchandise in the form of kites, toys, or snacks. Sights like this are actually not just happening in the month of Ramadan. During other months, at the end of the week, many Saudi families gather with other families and their children. Sometimes they bring barbecue equipment, or bikes to be ridden by their children.
But the memorable moment in Ramadan is when we are waiting for the call for the Maghrib prayer to reverberate. When sunset arrives, there is a voluntary call to prayer. Muslims and Muslimas vying for the reward of feeding the fasting by Allah, pass around an appetizer, either dates or cookies, to be shared with the people who are fasting. After breaking fast, they usually perform the Maghrib prayer in congregation in the open air. That is the beauty of togetherness in the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan Kareem
