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Muslims in Germany Celebrate Ramadan
Frederik
Richter - AUC German Student
Together
with believers in Muslim countries throughout the world, Muslims
living in Germany have entered the month of Ramadan. Ramadan in
Germany takes place in a totally different atmosphere than in
countries with a Muslim majority. Public and social life continues
with the same speed and the running of the day does not know any
interruptions, like for the Iftar. A difference also lies in the
length of the day in Germany, which is a challenge in the summer,
but is quite short in the winter period. This year the sun rises
roughly at 8 am and sets at 4 pm.
Only
those of the estimated 3.5 Million Muslims living in Germany, who
live in one of the Islamic quarters of Berlin or the Ruhr area with
a high percentage of Muslims living there might be reminded of the
empty streets of Cairo or Istanbul during Iftar. Ali Ozkan, a
Muslim from Berlin, was quoted by the Islamic Newspaper saying that
it was a sign of this blessed month that the social life of Muslims
becomes more noticeable than during the rest of the year. That food
is offered everywhere and people eating and drinking can be seen
during the day also changes the atmosphere but is not a major
obstacle. Non-practicing Muslims prefer Ramadan in Western
countries arguing that as Muslims there live in a minority the
decision whether or not to fast becomes personal without any social
pressure from others.
Shift-working
Muslims have to use their pauses to break the fasting. Arrangements
probably can be made especially as large companies who employ large
numbers of Muslims handle these issues with pragmatism. But they
preferred to spend the Iftar at home with their families and
friends in a nicer atmosphere.
Those
who are settled abroad without their families gather in their
national communities to celebrate. Open-minded Germans participate
in these gatherings and seek to understand the beliefs of Muslims.
Some also join the fasting for a couple of days to get to know the
feeling of it. In fact, Hasan Ozdogan, the head of the Islamic
council in Germany said in a message that many communities would
also invite their non-Muslim neighbors for the Iftar.
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