Ramadan Start in Mauritania

Day:
The start of Ramadan in Mauritania, as in other Islamic countries, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. This usually leads to a variation of a day or two each year. The first day of Ramadan marks the beginning of a month-long period of fasting from dawn until sunset.

History and Traditions:
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims worldwide, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. In Mauritania, as with elsewhere, it's a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship.

What People Do:
On the first day of Ramadan and throughout the month, Mauritanians engage in several religious activities:

• Fasting (Sawm): Adults abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset.
• Prayer (Salah): There is an increased focus on prayers, including nightly Tarawih prayers which are held in mosques.
• Quran Reading: Many attempt to read and recite the entire Quran over the course of the month.
• Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Acts of charity are emphasized; people are more generous and support those in need.
• Iftar: Families gather at sunset to break their fast with dates and water followed by a larger meal. It's often communal with invitations extended to relatives and neighbors.
• Suhur: The pre-dawn meal consumed before starting another day of fasting.

Mauritanians embrace these practices with great fervor during Ramadan as part of their religious obligation and cultural heritage.