Syrians begin Ramadan, the first without Assad family rule. While some eateries opened, an interim Ministry directive called for closures during daylight hours to enforce fasting. Concerns of reprisals have led many to avoid public eating. Observances vary globally, with some nations starting the fast on different days. Ramadan this year is marked by sentiments of victory amidst ongoing regional challenges.
As Ramadan commences this year, it marks the first occasion that Syrians observe the holy month without the Assad family’s dominion after its fall in December. Some restaurants and coffee shops opened during the day, despite a call from Syria’s interim Ministry of Religious Endowments for all eateries and food stands to remain closed, emphasizing that public consumption of food and drink could lead to imprisonment of up to three months.
However, Associated Press reporters who surveyed Damascus noted that several coffee shops remained operational, albeit discreetly. In contrast to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which permitted public eating during Ramadan, many Syrians are now choosing to refrain from eating openly due to fears of potential reprisals under the newly established Islamist government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Hussam Haj-Hussein, the interim Minister of Religious Affairs, remarked, “This is the Ramadan of victory and liberation,” highlighting the transformative atmosphere surrounding this year’s observance. Across the Muslim world, including nations like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Ramadan began on the same day, while others, such as Malaysia and Japan, marked the start a day later.
The ambiance during Ramadan varies widely across the Middle East; in Lebanon, citizens reflect on a ceasefire concluded after a protracted war, while in Gaza, residents confront the devastation amidst fragile peace. Ramadan is traditionally dictated by the sighting of the crescent moon, leading to potential variations in observance across different communities.
The days of Ramadan are characterized by fasting from sunrise to sunset, concluding with the communal meal known as iftar. This holy month serves not only as a time for spiritual reflection but also as an opportunity for charitable organizations to assist those in need, exemplified by initiatives in Baghdad where free meals are being distributed to the fasting populace.
This year’s Ramadan in Syria signifies a pivotal shift in governance, transitioning from Assad family rule to an Islamist administration. Although some businesses defiantly continue their operations, many citizens are opting to avoid public displays of consumption due to the new regime’s potential repercussions. Amid the broader Middle Eastern context, the observance holds a rich blend of liberation and turmoil, underscoring the complex realities of life in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
