Understanding Ramadan in Moroccan Culture

AZDEAN: [00:00:00] Welcome back to another amazing episode of Destination Morocco podcast. In today's episode, we're going to talk about understanding Ramadan in Moroccan culture. And we welcome back Ms. Hiba and Mr. Sam. Welcome back to the podcast. 
 
HIBA: Thank you

SAM: Thank you. 
 

AZDEAN: Thank you so much. Glad to have you back. Two years ago, we did an episode about Ramadan and it was a solo episode. 
 

And when, [00:01:00] when I did it, I mainly talked about the religious part of it. what people will expect. while they are traveling during Ramadan in Morocco. And it was a really, really good episode in terms of the feedback that we got from the audience. but this episode is going to be a little bit different. 
 

we're not going to dig deep into the religious part of it. We're just going to touch bases and then we're going to. Give you a few ideas, maybe itineraries, if you're traveling to the north side of Morocco or the south side of Morocco What to expect and and how to get by on a daily basics, basically. 

So first we're gonna start with the spiritual Significance of Ramadan in the Muslim world and also in Morocco and we'll start with the Hiba first, please 

HIBA: Sure, well Ramadan is a specific month for Muslims in general and for us as Moroccans. it's the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it has a spiritual impact on everyone. So, uh, when [00:02:00] we talk about fasting, which stands for the core practice in Ramadan, Revolves around abstaining from drink, food, and other worldly pleasures from dawn to dusk. 
 

This allows for spiritual reflection, self discipline, as well as feeling empathy towards the people who are poor or less fortunate, encouraging a sense of togetherness and solidarity among everyone. 

AZDEAN: So you said that it's from dawn to dusk So basically can people fast and drink some water or smoke maybe hookah, maybe cigarettes, maybe e cigarettes? 
 

HIBA: while fasting? 
 

AZDEAN: Yes, so basically in Ramadan you stop everything. There's no food. Nothing goes into your system 
 

HIBA: Yeah, 
 

AZDEAN: the Sun up until the Sun goes down. Okay, perfect. Just wanted to 
 

HIBA: it is included. It is included when I said, for example, the worldly pleasures. [00:03:00] So, talking about, uh, charity, which is, another, important, uh, Component that goes hand in hand with fasting during Ramadan. It stands for Zakat in Arabic, standard Arabic, which is giving alms. so, um, Moroccans specifically during Ramadan, increase their charitable contribution in order, to help the poor people and the less fortunate so that they feel each other creating a spiritual and, uh, spiritual environment. 
 

AZDEAN: Okay, perfect. So I just want to add something to what you have just said. So Zakat, it's different than taxes. So just want to clarify that with the audience. So in Ramadan, there's specific Zakat and Zakat, uh, Zaki is to cleanse, the word from Arabic. So to cleanse your money, basically, that's what the meaning of the Zakat. 
 

So you help the poor and the needy. And in Ramadan, Zakat, [00:04:00] there's a specific. Time for it that it needs to be given out. 
 

HIBA: Yeah, uh, well, zakat or charity, it should be given before, the Eid al Fitr prayer to the ones who need and less fortunate or the poor ones. 
 

AZDEAN: Okay, perfect. So I'm going to talk about. Morocco part, and I'm gonna talk about the US part. Um, in Morocco, basically you have to give that money in the mosque and it needs to be given before the eighth prayer. The eighth prayer aid means celebrating, the feast because we, we fasted the whole month of Ramadan. 
 

It's a celebration, that's what we call it. Hey, it means celebration and it needs to be given out before the prayer. And normally it's around. It depends. I would say give or take in Morocco maybe around 9 a. m. In the U. S. they have it depending, you know, your neighborhood, your state, your city. In some places they have it three different times of the day. 

So let's say if you go to, there's a 7. 30 prayer, you go to that 7. 30 [00:05:00] prayer, you need to give that zakat before that 7. 30 prayer. is concluded. Then if you have a 9. a. m. prayer, then you need to give it out the same way before that prayer is completed. And then they have another prayer in some cases, um, 10. 
 

30, and you need to give out that zakat before the 10. 30 prayer is completed. So just want to clarify that for a little bit. So When we talk about, the spiritual significance of Ramadan, there's, there's so many different components. You talked about fasting, you talked about charity, and I'm going to move to Sam and ask him, what else people do in Ramadan? 

Basically the locals. in case when you visit Morocco and you see those things, you kind of get used to them and you can expect them in a way. Yeah. 

SAM: in Ramadan, besides the five prayers we are doing every day in Ramadan, we increase, the connection with God and we, uh, especially after the iftar, which is, uh, after the sunset, [00:06:00] we move together to the mosques and sometimes we pray in the squares. In Morocco, I think all the people including the kids, including men and women, they came in together. 
 

The prayer is called Tarawih, Tarawih in Morocco, it's an amazing atmosphere, and it's a very good And something very special for the Muslims during this sacred month of Ramadan. 

AZDEAN: yes, it's a, it's, it's a gathering, in all the mosques. And sometimes what Sam said is basically, sometimes there's an overflow of, people praying so they can pray outside the mosque. And you can see that overflow sometimes on the streets, and things like that. Yes. And these are different. 
 

And there's, uh, some, they do it after the Isha prayer, which is the last prayer of, for the day. And then before the first prayer, again. of the day, which is Fajr, Salatul Fajr, did with about, I would say about [00:07:00] an hour and a half way before that. So there's two actually, after the Isha prayer and one, before, the Fajr prayer. 
 

Thank you so much. What else? we need to talk about some, please. 

SAM: Also, I want to talk about one of the components of spiritual significance of Ramadan is, uh, reciting Qur'an 
 

AZDEAN: Okay. 
 

SAM: or reading Qur'an during this month is, became more, I encourage you during Ramadan Like that, the Muslims coming together to recite, to reciting the Qur'an, especially in communities, in families, or sometimes in mosques, especially after third prayer, which is Salatul Asr, between Salatul Asr and sunset. 
 

So people, especially communities, as I said, and families coming together to recitate Qur'an. and to connect with God again and to encourage also the small kids to, to know about the month of Ramadan. 

AZDEAN: Yeah, thank you for that [00:08:00] Samias. Ramadan is an amazing opportunity for, for a lot of schools, institutions and mosques. And also when you said the kids, for them to, to know about Quran, to recitate the Quran and also to memorize the Quran and memorization of the Quran. It's not just for kids, but it's for everyone. 
 

Everybody, all ages and, and uh, some of the best times that a lot of people we have seen do it is after the Fajr prayer. And also like, uh, Sam said before, you know, uh, midday prayer, which is Asr. It's not midday. It's, uh, the third prayer and, before sunset as well. So a lot of people, they just stayed the mosques and they just focus and, recite the Quran. 

A lot of people do it at home as well, not necessarily at the mosque, but. Uh, they do it at home as well. So they, they set specific time for them, uh, where they recite the Quran throughout month of Ramadan. So now we're going to move to the, the communal traditions, what people are expect or should expect when they visit Morocco, for example. 

HIBA: Well, we can talk about Ramadan without denoting Iftar and Suhoor, [00:09:00] or Iftar and Suhoor. Iftar stands for the breaking meal, uh, fast at sunset. And Suhoor, the pre dawn meal. So, families and friends gather. to join in the table of iftar or suhoor, uh, exchanging, topics, uh, as well as, uh, sharing delicious meals and dishes that creates strong bonds between them. 
 

AZDEAN: Okay. That's nice. So, um, I just want to add something to Futuran. Uh, In Morocco we say Iftar, anywhere else they say Iftar, and then Suhoor. I remember as a kid, the time of the table, the table is very well decorated. There's many, many different dishes. It's just, uh, it's just beyond incredible. 
 

And also just want to mention to the audience and the viewers in Morocco, and I know this throughout. Islamic world that we consume more food during Ramadan than we do on [00:10:00] regular months or regular days. So there's a lot of food that it's been consumed during Ramadan. And you can see this, you know, just from the way that the tables are set up, there's a specific way, specific dishes that are, related to Ramadan and It's just an amazing experience for me. 
 

I remember as a kid and also Suhoor, which is, you know, you're, you're, you're asleep and you want your mom to come and wake you up because, it just, it feels so nice. And I remember as a kid, you know, 10, 12, Ramadan at that time used to be in August in the summertime. So there's no school. 

It's just, you know, me and my cousins, there's a lot of kids in the house. So when we wake up, it's, a lot of fun. You know, we eat, we have a good time and we go back to sleep. So there's no school to go to, which is just incredible. 

SAM: So what I can add here is if you want, to witness prayers after iftar in, or iftar in Morocco, I suggest to our audience to visit the Qutubiyah Mosque, especially, it's something, uh, which is special and, The way the people, they're gathering together to pray, the [00:11:00] Tarawih is just unique and you can, you can see it and you can watch it. 
 

For example, you can even just stay, for example, a little bit far from the prayers and you can just take photos or just stay listening to the Quran, reciting Quran in the mosque. Especially, I'm talking about the Qutubiyah Mosque in Marrakech. Ramadan is an opportunity for families because, I know many people that just say for their annual holidays or vacation, for example, they relate it to Ramadan because it's, as Azdean said, it's very special for families to come together to have iftar and to enjoy unique meals, including, for example, Harira, including which is the soup, uh, Shebekia pastries, for example, and many other dishes that is the highlight, the tables during this holy month in Morocco. 

AZDEAN: Yes, thank you for that. And also just wanted to add to what Sam just said. Ramadan, there's, there's a lot of invites, you know, between friends, between, you know, uh, if you're going to school, your classmates, [00:12:00] your college mates, families. so it's, it's really very festive month. And it's just, it's beyond incredible. 
 

If, if you're visiting Morocco, and you get a chance to go to somebody's house or, you know, if you're staying at riad, the food is just beyond incredible. They do iftar anywhere, you know, whether it's a riad, whether it's a hotel, even whether it's outside restaurants, street food, it's just incredible. 

And I encourage people to visit Morocco during Ramadan. And, and the reason, one of the reasons we're doing this episode is because I still see a lot of comments, uh, for people that, who have never been to Morocco, and they say, don't go to Morocco, dear Ramadan. It really, really, really, really upsets me because Ramadan is a beautiful time to go to Morocco and witness it. 

I mean, The hospitality is just amazing. The feeling is just amazing. You can feel that it's, it's different, everything feels different, dear Ramadan, than It's just if you have a chance, don't miss it. You know, we have people booking, this [00:13:00] year in Ramadan. 
 

We've had them last year, the year before, and people love it. They love the experience because it's unique. There's nowhere else you have to wait 11 months to experience that in Ramadan. So anyways, the question Hiba is, Very briefly, and I'm going to, we're going to talk about this little bit more in depth in a little bit. 

But what are some of the things that people or tourists, for example, can do in Ramadan? Because back when I was a kid and going to school, I have seen tourists and I have seen foreigners in, in Marrakech. And, you know, at that time, I mean, 30 years ago, things have changed. so what would you recommend for people to do during the month of Ramadan if they are traveling, for example, on their own, just exploring, just having a couple of days staying in Marrakech or anywhere else, please? 

HIBA: Well, uh, as you've just said, Mr. ElZin Morocco in Ramadan has a unique charm. And in order to, experience that, I highly recommend If you are here during Ramadan to join iftar or [00:14:00] suhoor, gatherings, either homestay experience, which means, join a family, uh, Moroccan family that allows you to, participate in authentic cooked food, which is Iftar or Suhoor. Gaining insights, exchanging experiences, as well as jokes, you know. Um, Moroccan people are very generous. And, they like to invite especially tourists for that specific time. Also, you can, do a restaurant. experience, uh, many restaurants, uh, all over Morocco, uh, wherever you go, they offer special Ramadan, menus, or, uh, buffets, so you can, um, experience the deep flavors of Ramadan. 
 

The, uh, Moroccan cuisine. I 

AZDEAN: perfect. Sam, do you have anything to add to what just Heba said, please? 
 

SAM: Yeah. For, [00:15:00] for the restaurants, just, um, uh, I want to talk about restaurants. For example, there is like, um, many restaurants, they have, um, menus, special menus for Ramadan. And by the way, it's not that expensive, for example, and, in the big cities like Marrakech, for example, Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, many people, they have, uh, rich people, I'm talking about rich people, or middle class people, they prefer to have, their meal iftar at local restaurants instead of having it at home. 
 

uh, sometimes they invite even their families or their cousins, for example, to the restaurants to have iftar together in a restaurant. 

AZDEAN: Thank you for that, Sam. So this is really, really good. So now what I would like to talk about next, Sam, is can you give us, let's say somebody's going, you know, it doesn't matter whether to operate with us on their own, renting a car, solo traveler, and they're going for a few days in. Let's say they're from Casablanca to Rabat, to Shefchaouen, to Tangier, to Fes, doing the north side of Morocco. 
 

What should they expect during [00:16:00] Ramadan? then we'll do the other question is the same, but going the south, of Morocco instead. So 
 

SAM: Yeah. 
 

AZDEAN: what can people expect, please? 
 

SAM: This is a very, uh, very interesting question. during Ramadan, as you mentioned before, many people, they think that, you don't have to travel to Morocco during Ramadan. But I said, as well, I'm with you, and they said you have to visit Morocco during Ramadan. 
 

Talking about the itineraries, for example, in Ramadan, traveling, the north side of Morocco, during Ramadan, for example, let's see, you can travel from Casablanca to Rabat, then to Chefchaouen. You will have a challenge during the days, especially when you have a long journey. Let's see, you are traveling from Casablanca to Rabat, and then you travel later to Chefchaouen. 

I suggest to have lunch in Rabat. Because 

AZDEAN: Definitely. Yes. 
 

SAM: they have some open restaurants, especially for tourists. But don't stop in Rabat and you travel directly, as Youssef has shown, I [00:17:00] suggest to have your snacks with you, fast food for example, and you can order it in your accommodation, your hotel or your riad, ahead of time. 
 

Or you can take it, for example, there is like, um, before Iftar there is open markets. In all towns, in all cities in Morocco, and you can buy some stuff there to take it with you, when you stay you're traveling from Chefchaouen to Tangier, you will have lunch in Tangier. 

It's okay. But when you travel, again, from Chefchaouen to Fez, through, Meknes and Volibidis, you have to have a picnic. Or to take some, um, sandwich or just, some stuff with you to have. Yeah, snacks. Yeah. 

AZDEAN: Okay. So let me just make sure I understand exactly what you're saying, Sam. And We're going to come back to this point later. So There's no issue when you're traveling from major city to major city, you're fine. You know, the distance between Casablanca and Rabat, it's about, give or take an hour and 15 minutes. 
 

Then you'll have really nice lunch. And then, you know, you can take some stuff with you to go just snacks and, and go to your next destination. So the [00:18:00] challenge is between destinations, between city to city, especially when you have a long drive. For example, when you're talking about between fast. 
 

Anchefchaouen, and there's, it's just mountains and mountains and yeah, so you just have to be a little bit Pre organized and be more prepared and that's all that it really takes. Now the question that I have is, is Morocco closed? Dear Ramadan, in terms of hotels, in terms of Riyads, in terms of restaurants, or if they are open, what time do they open? 

Because I want to make sure we, we send the right message to the listeners. 

SAM: Yes, absolutely. Uh, in Morocco, as you say, this is a tourist destination. and all the accommodations, restaurants, hotels are open during the, during the month of Ramadan. They would serve your lunch. They will, if you stay, for example, in a riad. They will serve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
 

And the restaurants for lunchtime are open, and for dinner also are open.[00:19:00] 
 

AZDEAN: Okay. I remember, 'cause we did, we had the interview with, uh, , Ms. Kinzie, um, and she said the same thing. and breakfast doesn't really have a specific time. They can serve it to you, you know, any, any time. it could be just you at the restaurant, it can be many people. So, and again, we really, really were emphasize. 
 

Everywhere you go is open, in the major cities. basically when you're going, traveling through the north side, we have done that route, Sam. So we know the distance between city to city. And I remember us. stopping in Robatan and having lunch before going on our tour because we just drove from Casablanca and prior to that we did the tour with Khalil for the Hassan II Mosque. 

So it's all about really planning and doing it the right way. So, uh, what else can you add to the north side tour, or itinerary, and then we can move to the south side and we can talk also about the difference between the two of them, please, Sam. 

SAM: Yes. when you are in you will have your breakfast in your riad, you will have lunch in Old Medina of Fez, because [00:20:00] all the restaurants and all the snacks are open, so you can just enjoy your meal there. without any, issues. So you just ask your guide and he will book any restaurant for you. 
 

If you're traveling with us, our tour leader will take care of this. And even he will organize everything. For example, when we have a long journey traveling, from Fes back to Marrakech, it's a long drive. It takes, it takes like between 6 hours to 7 hours, throughout the highway. So just ask your, your tour leader or your driver. 

to buy some snacks for you, ahead of time, then you will be good. 

AZDEAN: Okay. Thank you for that. So now we're going to move to, we have an itinerary again, people, travelers, whether with us or by themselves, or with somebody else, they are going through, a Southern part of Morocco. Let's say Marrakech. Then they're going to go to, you know, Teddert, then Tloued, then Aït Ben Haddou, then Dades, then Merzouga, for example, Agadiz, Zagora, all those, Southern places. 
 

So what should they expect, during that time or during their travel in Morocco? on the [00:21:00] south side of Morocco, please. 
 

SAM: Yeah, in the southern part of Morocco, there is a little bit of challenge, especially if you have a distance between, uh, let's see, you're traveling from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, the only place where you can have lunch is Aït Ben Haddou, because it's popular, and all the restaurants are open, are open during the day and night as well. 
 

So when you're traveling, from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, You have to stop in Toudra to have your lunch or to have it in Tindzhedet, in Tindzhedet. between the cities, there is no way to have lunch in a restaurant. You have to take snacks with you. Yeah, 

AZDEAN: That makes sense. So, and again, when you're traveling, please keep in mind the distance between, you know, if we say Marrakech to Aït Bin Haddou, um, in Ramadan, probably, you're going to make a few stops. it's an average in four and a half hours. it's not a direct drive, but you need to consider and keep in mind the stops that you're going to make along the way and the pictures and stuff that you're going to take. 
 

and you need to time it the [00:22:00] right way. If you're taking medication, if you have pre care, You know, existing conditions. You need, to let us know or you need to let driver know, your guide know, your tour leader know, whoever you're traveling with. So just, just plan ahead and plan right and do it the right way. 
 

So anything else that you want to add 

SAM: yeah, sure. In Merzouga, when you have another day in Merzouga and you want to visit the nomads or the Hamliya village, make sure to tell your guide or your driver or who you traveled with arrange a lunch for you. Because in Merzouga, it's challenging in terms of restaurants during the day. 
 

AZDEAN: Yeah, of course, because in Merzouga, the only, literally, the only place that you can have it is, is in the camp. Um, and you, you need to let the people that you're staying with or the camp, know that, hey, you're going to need lunch because they'll serve you dinner and they'll serve you breakfast, but they need to be aware that lunch needs to be served as well because the nearest town is, it's probably 30 kilometers or so, far away. 
 

So, um, and again, it's all really, really, really [00:23:00] about planning. Ramadan is a beautiful time. of the year for us. it feels different in Morocco. It's, it's a lot of fun for me, as an adult, I love it because, the invites, uh, it's, it's the atmosphere is different. The food is different. The, then, you know, after everything, then, we go to the square. 
 

It's, it's alive. It's, it's happening. It's always busy and it's always packed. So if you get a chance to visit Morocco, then I highly recommend it. It's a different experience. but it's worth it. So, we're getting close to the end of this episode. We just want to touch base really about Ramadan and what to expect for tourists, for travelers, solo travelers, female travelers, group travelers. 

So Hiba, do you have anything else to add in terms of, traveling to Morocco, during the month of Ramadan, please? 

HIBA: just want, travelers to don't be afraid to visit Morocco during Ramadan. The atmosphere is extraordinary. as you said, the streets always busy and Uh, there is an extra [00:24:00] activity during that specific time, so there is nothing to be scared of. Instead, you're gonna have an amazing experience in terms of food, in terms of, engaging in, for example, charity work, and many other things. 
 

AZDEAN: Thank you so much Hiba. Sam, anything to add before we 
 

SAM: What I want to add is, um, when you're traveling in especially to the small villages, Make sure here there is no restaurants in the, in the small villages, small towns in Morocco. So make sure you have snacks with you and you buy some stuff ahead of time before you, you are taking this experience. If you travel with us of course. 
 

We arrange, for example, a lunch with the local family ahead of time, and you will enjoy it during your day trip to the Atlas Mountains, maybe your day trip to Agafay or to Issaouira, maybe you will enjoy your lunch, in this experience. 

I invite you to visit Morocco in Ramadan. It's a unique experience. [00:25:00] I'm sure you're going to enjoy it because it's something special. Not just for Muslims, but for all, all the people worldwide. 
 

AZDEAN: 100%. I can only talk about the experience. I mean, I've, I've been at Ramadan in different cities and I remember in Rabat was, was really, really good experience for me. This is long time ago. So Ramadan is, it's different than it, it's, it varies from city to city. The atmosphere, the, the love people show everybody else and each other and their families and their friends. 
 

It's just, it's a really, really, really unique time, to visit Morocco. I highly recommend it. I encourage it. So I want to say thank you to the listeners. I want to say thank you to the viewers and we're here for you. If you're traveling, you know, reach out to us. You have any questions we can help. We can plan your trip. 

We can just maybe direct you, give you some advice. And, uh, we'd really appreciate you listening to the podcast. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day. 

SAM: Thank you. Thank you. 
 

HIBA: Thank you. [00:26:00]