Afghanistan

This November, the twilight sky will transform into a spiritual and temporal atlas for Muslims around the world. When the first sliver of the new moon cuts through the inky sky, the Islamic calendar's holy 9th month, called Ramadan, will begin. Forecast for the 15th of October this year, the new moon heralds a month of religious and personal reflection, family and community revitalization and, of course, fasting and feasting. Excited calls of "Ramadan Mubarak!" (Have a blessed and happy Ramadan!) will ring between the houses once the eagerly-awaited crescent moon is spotted. In honor of this holy month, we've put together some festive and fortifying meal ideas to help make both the fasting and the feasting meaningful and enjoyable.

Suhoor: Early Morning Meal
Since eating is forbidden during the day, Ramadan meals are eaten early in the morning (suhoor) and again at night (iftar). The first meal of the day is Suhoor, which should be eaten as close to dawn as possible. Traditionally, the Suhoor might include porridge, bread or fruit. It is said that the Prophet Mohammad himself recommended including dates as part of the Suhoor meal!

Fig and Date Bread
Pomegranate Jelly
Fereni Starch Pudding
Syrian Bread
Black Glutinous Rice Porridge

Iftar: Evening Meal
Once the sun begins to set, the daily fast is slowly broken with a simple snack-like bread, cheese or fruit. Now that everyone is not quite so hungry, evening prayers are said, followed by the big evening meal, called Iftar, which often includes a hearty stew or spiced vegetable dish. Once Iftar is over, people will usually meet at the mosque or at each other's houses for visiting and discussion.

Moroccan Lentil Soup
Spicy Pakistani Zucchini
Fig and Lemon Chicken
Ghraybeh Cookies

Eid Ul-Fitr: Feasting Finale
When the new moon arrives to signal the end of Ramadan, there is a colossal celebration called Eid ul-fitr. The feasting and revelry of Eid ul-fitr are unparalleled by any of the other dinners held during Ramadan. Eid ul-fitr is a time when the whole community comes together to rejoice and, of course, eat! Platters of steaming food, music, games and general merriment last until the moon's silvery reflection begins to fade in the sky.

Figs Oozing with Goat Cheese
Sambousa
Pakistani Potato Chicken
Chicken Biryani
Pakistani Spicy Chickpeas
Fresh Fig Cake
More Ramadan Recipes