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Moroccan shoppers are busy with preparing their shops for receiving the fasting month |
CASABLANCA — While they largely shunned last week's legislative polls, Moroccans were charging their batteries for another competition during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
"We are competing to win a seat in paradise," Mohammed Kamal, a street vendor, told IslamOnline.net.
"I saw no point in casting my ballot last week but I'm giving my vote for Ramadan," he added.
Last week's election, won by the nationalist Istiqlal party and the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), was marred by the lowest turnout ever recorded in the North African country.
The Muslim kingdom will sight the new moon later on Wednesday, September 12, while astronomical calculations say fasting should start on Friday, September 14.
But preparations for the holy month are already in full wing.
"Ramadan aura is prevailing everywhere," Saed Nershaq, an unemployed Moroccan in his 20s, told IOL.
"People are flocking to mosques while others are shopping for Ramadan.
In Al-Mohamadiyah market, shoppers are putting up the finest of their products, including clothes, lanterns and sweats.
"Most people prefer to wear traditional Moroccan dresses during Ramadan," said one shop owner.
Vendors are also showcasing different kinds of religious-content tapes and books outside mosques.
All Winners
Unlike elections where some win and others lose, every Moroccan sees himself a winner in Ramadan.
"I want to get closer to Allah by reciting the Noble Qur'an and performing the Tarawih prayers," said Nershaq.
Roqaya, a housewife, was busy preparing special delicious Moroccan meals for the first day of the fast.
"This is part of our traditions in Ramadan," she said in her kitchen.
"These traditions, however, never distract us from worshipping during the holy month."
Fatma, a French teacher, said she was apathetic about the legislative polls but not about Ramadan.
"This year, I intend to perform Tarawih prayers at the mosque," she told IOL.
"I want Allah to have mercy on me."
Mohamed Bowenn, a lawyer, said every Muslim is a winner in Ramadan.
"Allah is offering thousands of seats in paradise for worshippers every night while in elections people run for a limited number of seats."
"Unlike rigged elections, the race to paradise is a fair and honest competition."
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