Citizens! This sundown marks the beginning of Ramadan, a holy 30 days for all followers of Islam and as such – to all members of TFD Nation who celebrate this most spiritual time:
!رمضان كريم
For those unfamiliar with Ramadan – Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This is the month in which the Quran was revealed, when the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel in Arab) appeared to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and began revealing the verses of the Quran and continued to do so for 23 years.
During this period of time, fasting is very important, and constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam (which include declaring there is no god except God, praying five times a day, giving to the poor and needy, and a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime). Fasting in Ramadan is not only abstaining from food but also from evil actions, thoughts and words. Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection and devoting themselves to worship and prayer to Allah.
Your daily reading of TFD is strongly recommended only after sundown for the remaining month, Citizens! 🙂
To celebrate the start of Ramadan, the Caliph of Cooking will be sharing not one but TWO classic dishes that would be welcome in any iftar (the meal partaken after sundown to break the daily fast). The first is a main dish that is the medieval precursor to the modern lamb and apricot tagine from Morocco as well as a classic Ramadan apricot dessert from Syria.
Being from California, I am exceedingly fond of our Blenheim apricots and call for their use in both of these remarkable recipes!
For the month of Ramadan, TFD wishes you all 4 weeks of blessings, 30 days of clemency, and 720 hours of enlightenment!
!كل عام وأنتم بخير
Battle on – The Generalissimo
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