 |
Experts say the closure of cafes and restaurants during Ramadan daytime signals a growing Islamic awakening. |
PRIZREN, Kosovo — Walking down the streets in any of Kosovo’s cities during the holy days of Ramadan, one can’t help noticing that almost every cafe and restaurant on the way is either closed or deserted.
“Most of the cafes are closed during day time in Ramadan,” Sheikh Muhamed Hoxha, Secretary General of the Islamic Center in Pudjeva city, told IslamOnline.net.
“The very few cafes that are not closed stay open only for people to meet and talk. No food. No drinks.”
This leaves Kosovo streets with unusual calmness during daytime in Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Most dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through self-restraint, good deeds and prayer.
Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia last year to become the second country with Muslim majority in Europe.
Muslim Albanians make up more than 90 percent of the country’s two-million population.
Islamic Awakening
Experts believe that the closure of cafes and restaurants during Ramadan days signals a growing Islamic awakening.
"Closing cafes in Ramadan is a phenomenon that has been spreading in different cities," Ajni Sinani, a Muslim writer from the historic city of Prizren, known as the city of minarets because of the large number of its mosques, told IOL.
"The majority of the city residents as well as the owners of the cafes themselves are fasting."
Sheikh Hoxha agrees that there is a religious awakening among Kosovars.
He cites the growing number of Muslims eager to observe the fast and get closer to Allah through prayers and Qur’an recitation.
"Much more Muslims are keen to perform prayers at the mosques. Our mosque in Pudjeva is bursting at the seams with worshippers during Ramadan.”
Once Muslims break their fast and perform Tarawih, a special nightly prayer in Ramadan, the streets are back to life.
People flock to the deserted cafes to enjoy a special festive atmosphere.
"The empty cafes become overcrowded as soon as people finish Tarawih,” notes Hoxha.
"Friends race to invite each other to drink coffee and eat famed Balkan deserts in a joyful mood that remains all through the holy month."
|
