In every religion, there are doctrines that an adherent
must practice, not just because they are a part of the religion; but also
because they boost one’s faith in the religion.
So it is with Ramadan. In Islam, Ramadan is a time to
strengthen your faith as a Muslim, and draw closer to Allah. At this time,
Muslims essentially fast, eating two meals daily. The first is the Suhoor,
taken at the crack of dawn. And at sunset each day, the break their fast with
Iftars.
The Iftar is the meal served at the end of the day during
Ramadan, to break the day’s fast. Literally, it means “break fast.”Families
serve the Iftar at sunset during each day of Ramadan.
Iftars Are More Than Just Dinner, They Are A Social Event
Iftars are very much a social event, most times they involve
your family and community. Many Muslims host their friends for dinner or even
gather as a community for a potluck dinner. Also, some other Muslims invite
others who are not as fortunate and share their dinner with them. In Islam,
there’s a reward for charitable giving so many Muslims practice charity,
especially during Ramadan.
Muslims traditionally first break the fast with dates and
either water or a yoghurt drink. After the Maghrib prayer, they then have a
full-course meal, consisting of soup, salad, appetizers and main dishes. In
some cultures, Muslims delay the full-course meal until later in the evening or
even early morning. Traditional foods also vary by country.
For health reasons, Muslims don’t over-eat during iftar or
at any other time; and they follow other health tips during Ramadan. Because
you must always take care to get the nutrients, hydration, and rest that you
need, Islam makes a concession for those unable to fast. If you decide that
fasting could possibly be harmful to your health, you have two options:
- If yours is a temporary, not chronic, condition you may make up the fast (a day for a day) at a later time when your health improves.
- Or if yours is a permanent or chronic condition, you may make a donation to charity in lieu of fasting. The amount should be sufficient to feed one person a day, for each fasting day that is missed.
Practising Muslims follow a halal diet year-round, so the
Iftars will never include pork, alcohol, or other forbidden foods.
During Ramadan, common greetings are “Ramadan Mubarak” or
“Ramadan Kareem” (meaning “blessed Ramadan” or “happy Ramadan”). Feel free to
use these with your Muslim friends, and don’t be nervous if you get it wrong.
They’ll still like that you tried.
Nigerian Meal Ideas For Your Iftars This Ramadan
Goat Meat and Plantain Pepper Soup
This is a nice meal to be served at Iftar, while breaking
the fast. It is a good source of protein and potassium and the pepper helps to
awaken your tired muscles!
Rice dishes with Stew/Sauce
Every Nigerian knows that this is a staple in many homes
during Iftar in the holy month of Ramadan. While the rice is a source of
carbohydrate, the stew/sauces provide iron, magnesium and also protein, due to
the meat/chicken in it. You’ll need to remember that the plan, however, is to
take in small portions, so as not to develop a pot-belly due to late-night
eating or obesity.
Vegetable or fruit Salads
This is also a good source of iron and loads of minerals.
The good thing about it is that you can eat them in slightly larger quantities
than the carbohydrates without the fear of developing a pot-belly, as your body
very easily digests these.
Masa
This is a traditional food from the northern part of
Nigeria. It is essentially rice boiled in oil to give it a distinct taste. Its
nutritional value is magnesium, carbohydrates and potassium. Serve this dish
with Hausa Spiced pepper and grilled meat.
Fura Da Nunu
This is a Hausa meal made with millet and cow milk. They
ferment the milk into a thick constituent. This meal will replenish your family
after the fast, giving the much-needed energy and calcium, magnesium and
carbohydrate from the millet. If your teenage children are fasting, this is a
very nourishing drink that they will enjoy.
Amala, Eba, Fufu with Egusi or Vegetable Soup
You would be familiar with these, as this is is a staple in
most Nigerian homes all year round. During Ramadan though, you might want to
serve them in small portions and preferably with vegetable soup. Or if with
Egusi (grounded melon), a bit of vegetable should be added into the Egusi. They
are high in carbohydrates, iron, fats and protein, depending on what meat or
fish you use in the soup.
This article was first published on AfricaParent.com
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