Ramazan or Ramadan in Iran is the ninth month of the Lunar Calendar. During this month, adult Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. They do not eat any food or drink any liquids. It is a time of praying, contemplation, fasting.. In this month, Muslims empathize with the poor and the needy and learn to appreciate God’s blessings in their lives. Also, they share food with the poor, invite people for the meal that breaks the fast (Iftar). Fasting is obligatory for Muslims, except for pregnant women, the ill, children, and some travelers. During Ramadan in Iran, Everyone tries to have their families and friends over for dinner.

Ramadan is a training ground for Muslims, preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities of the entire year. This month-long practice instills valuable lessons and virtues. By experiencing hunger and thirst firsthand, individuals empathize with the less fortunate and are more willing to help those in need. Regular reading of the Quran reinforces moral guidance and encourages reflection on what it means to be a good human being. Over time, the habits cultivated during Ramadan, such as increased mindfulness and generosity, become ingrained in one’s character, leading to a more compassionate and virtuous life. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims worldwide. Muslims commemorate significant dates and events that hold profound religious and historical significance throughout this holiest month and Lailatul Qadr, Ali Ibn Abi Talib’s Martyrdom and Eid al-Fitr are Important Dates in Ramadan. The revelation of the Quran during the holy month of Ramadan stands as one of the most significant events in Islamic history, marking the beginning of Islam as a faith and the start of Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood. The angel Gabriel first revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad in the cave of Hira, near Mecca, during the month of Ramadan. This momentous occasion not only transformed the life of Prophet Muhammad but also laid the foundation for the Islamic faith.

LAILATUL QADR, often called the Night of Decree or Power, holds immense significance in Islam. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. This divine revelation occurred over 23 years, beginning with the first verses revealed on Lailatul Qadr.

ALI IBN ABI TALIB’S MARTYRDOM during Ramadan holds profound significance in Islamic history and is deeply mourned by Muslims worldwide. Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is revered as one of the greatest figures in Islamic history.

EID FITR, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most joyous and celebrated occasions on the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and Muslims worldwide observe it. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, and is determined by the sighting of the new moon.

Ramadan significantly transforms daily life. Cities come alive at night with vibrant markets, communal prayers, and festive gatherings. The atmosphere is filled with unity and brotherhood as people come together to break their fasts and share meals. Evenings are spent in prayer and reflection, with mosques bustling with worshippers.Throughout the month, there is a heightened sense of generosity, with individuals and communities coming together to help those in need. Ramadan reminds us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and gratitude. It’s a time for spiritual and moral self-improvement as Muslims strive to strengthen their connection with God and fulfill their obligations to society. Ultimately, Ramadan is not just a period of abstaining from food and drink but a time for deepening one’s faith and understanding of Islam’s teachings. While most locals observe fasting and many restaurants and cafes close during daylight hours, travelers and tourists are not bound by the same restrictions. Iran’s people and authorities maintain an open-minded approach toward visitors during Ramadan, ensuring that tourists can still enjoy their trip. Hotel restaurants, supermarkets, and bazaars remain open, offering travelers plenty of options for dining and shopping. In Iran, there are a variety of delicious and healthy foods such as fantastic stews, sweets, fresh dates, traditional cheese, butter with fresh and raw vegetables, and walnuts. People have these dishes in two main meals during the day: In Ramadan, people wake up early before dawn to have a pre-fast meal called Sahari. Eating this meal before sunrise indicates that fasting can be a healthy diet. Sahari is usually light and is served before sunrise since enough protein and water should reach the body.

IFTAR, a more elaborate meal in the evening

Since fasting people do not receive the nutrients, sugars, and water they need during the day, they should make up for this deficiency by eating nutrients at predawn and Iftar. Iftar meal includes a variety of foods that are good for the body and maintain the strength of the fasting person, so it is better to get acquainted with the foods and beverages that have these characteristics. Iftar meal includes 3 parts itself. In Iran, there are 2 courses on the Iftar table. The starter and main course. Fasting people do not break their fast at once. They break their fast with a hot soft drink (water, warm milk, rose and saffron syrup, or Persian tea) and rock candy or dates to raise the blood pressure, and then comes the Persian tea.

Some delicious and heavenly foods on the iftar table of Iranians:

ASHE RESHTEH

Ash Reshteh is the most traditional Persian stews dish and has hundreds of different versions cooked in different parts of Iran. It is a thick mixture of vegetables, Persian noodles, fried onion, fried garlic, fried dried mint powder, beans, etc. Iranians also add some Kashk, a salty diary sauce of dried yogurt, which makes Ash Reshteh more savory.

DATE

For thousands of years, date fruits have been the staple food of the Middle East and India. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber and also have a lot of potassium. In addition, the consumption of dates during Ramadan is very useful in regulating blood sugar, so it is recommended to eat 3-5 dates at Iftar meal. Iranians stuff dates with walnuts and a sprinkle of coconut powder on its top.

HALVAA

The Persian Halvaa is a famous Iranian sweet that is almost always served at an Iranian funeral and during Ramadan. Flour along with oil, sugar, cardamom, rose are the main items of this Iranian dessert. Its color varies from light golden to dark brown depending on the type of baking.

HALIM

Halim is a high-calorie, thick, paste-like consistency Persian Porridge with meat. Iranian people serve Halim as breakfast on normal days. But in Ramadan, Halim is a delicacy on the Iftar table as well. We make it with shredded meat (beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey), wheat, and spices (cinnamon, sugar, or salt). You must cook Haleem slowly for more than 8 hours, which results in a paste-like consistency.

SHOLEH ZARD

Sholeh Zard is a Persian rice pudding with delicate mild sweetness. Iranians make it with saffron, rose water, pistachios, cinnamon, and almonds in golden color.

ZULBIA AND BAMIYEH

The sticky and crispy Zulbia and tasty fluffy Bamiyeh, IS the most popular Ramadan sweets. These tasty sweets spread in cities that did not have much fruit or nuts.

Ramazan or Ramadan, known as the month of forgiveness, is profoundly significant in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. As instructed by the Prophet of Islam, it serves as a period of spiritual reflection, emphasizing forgiveness from God and fellow human beings.

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This article was contributed by Mr. Akbar Karimi the international reporter for Arirang Culture Connect and the Founder and Managing Director of the Samte Ganjineye Ghoghnoos Cultural Artistic Institute in Iran. His leadership in preserving and promoting Iranian intangible cultural heritage along with his extensive experience in cultural artistic research and his active participation in international forums such as UNESCO and ICCN enriches his contributions to the global cultural dialogue.