Ramadan in Saltillo? What does the Muslim holy month consist of and how is it celebrated?

The Muslim religion is present in Saltillo through Leila Adjeroud, who has lived in the city for nine years and continues to practice its traditions through Ramadan.

The original of Algeriato the north of Africaopened the doors of his home and kitchen to show VANGUARD how fasting is practiced and, above all, how it is broken at dusk.

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Leila explained that the Ramadan It is a rite that is performed every year during a lunar month, that is, between 29 and 30 days that varies by 10 days depending on the lunar calendar. This year Muslims around the world practice it between March 10 and April 9.

It is held in honor of the first revelation of the prophet Muhammad and it is the most respected rite as one of the pillars of Islam.

IT IS A MONTH OF CONNECTION WITH GOD AND WITH HUMAN BEINGS

“It is a month where if you do a good practice of Ramadan, the bad actions you did during the year are erased. It is a month where you test yourself, because you must concentrate, not only stop eating and drinking water, but also say bad words, speak badly of people, it is about concentrating with God, it is a spiritual connection with God and also with the human being”Adjeroud explained.

He added that in his country, Ramadan is the time when there is more social life, helping needy people and it is the only month where all people eat at the same time with the same ingredients.

The practice of Ramadan also helps those who practice it to be more patient and control Better the body, since it must be the mind that controls it and not vice versa.

Leila explained that when the Ramadanpeople should continue living their normal lives, it does not mean that they can go on vacation or sleep all day.

For the Algerian citizen already adapted to life in SaltilloMuhammad or as she names him in Arabic, “Mohammed sallallahu alaiha sallam”is an ordinary human being who did not go to school and does not know how to read, but wrote the Koran, the holy book and guide of Muslims.

“So that’s why we do the Ramadan, to also celebrate the birth of the Koran and also to feel what a real person feels who did not eat, who is really hungry, to feel this compassion with the other person. You are walking on the street and they say ‘hey lady, hey lady, I’m hungry, give me something to eat’. “You don’t understand to what degree this person is hungry.”Leila added.

IT IS DONE BETWEEN DAWN AND DUSK

Leila added that the Ramadan It takes place between the first light, which is dawn, and ends when the last light of the sun is gone, so the person can get up before dawn to have breakfast or gain strength.

During the day, you cannot drink water, chew gum, take medication, or maintain sexual relations or saying bad words.

On the contrary, it is a space where up to five prayers are made throughout the day to improve the connection with God and try to be a better human being, to be the best person you can be.

Adjeroud mentioned that they may not make the Ramadan pregnant or lactating women, as well as people who have health problems with sugar or other types of diseases. It is also allowed to skip fasting for those who are traveling, although in current times that are becoming faster, it is practiced even when traveling.

In that sense, Leila explained that during the Ramadan Jihad is practiced, which has several meanings although it mainly means testing oneself and going to war. with oneself to resist temptations of all kinds.

It can also mean passing the Ramadan away from the family, avoid fights or teach children to be better people.

THE FAST IS BREAKED WITH DATES AND MILK

Leila added that the moment of breaking the fast is done by drinking milk and eating dates in numbers. nones, just as the prophet Mohammed sallallahu alaiha sallam did.

“He did that, so all Muslims follow in his footsteps, it is a time to open the table with family, with friends who are more considered part of the family. In general they are large tables. Once you break the fast, everything that has been said that could not be done during the day, can be done at night.”he added.

As a starter, Leila prepared and delivered a harira, which is basically a vegetable, chickpea, and chicken soup but contains a spice blend called Ras Al Hanut, which is not distributed in Mexico, so you have to bring it from Algeria.

The harira is accompanied with boreks, which are puff pastry triangles filled with meat, fish or chicken, dishes which, according to Leila, are present in other types of celebrations such as weddings.

For the main dish, Leila delivered lamb meat cooked in the meshui style, which is made “when you have a very special guest.”

“I learned this at home, through a form of blackmail, because if you don’t help your mother, then you won’t go out, it’s that easy. So if you want to go to a party, then you start cooking and helping your mother.”Leila mentioned jokingly.

The saltillense for adoption, he mentioned that neither in the city nor in Monterey He has been able to meet other Muslim people.

“The only ones I know are the people from the Algerian embassy, ​​they are the only ones. But to take a plane, and go to dinner with them, well no. And less in Ramadan. The truth is I don’t know a Muslim community here in Saltillo, but I’m happy to meet them.”he pointed out.