Ramadan in Germany

13/07/2011| IslamWeb

The Muslim community in Germany, estimated at 4 million, celebrates the month of Ramadan like the majority of the Islamic world. They make preparations for this month, even though they do so in a manner that is different from Islamic countries. In most German cities, there are no apparent signs of the advent of Ramadan. Often, work conditions do not allow people to eat the Iftaar meal in congregation during the month of Ramadan, which makes the days in Ramadan similar to other ordinary days in this aspect.

In Germany too, it is difficult to determine the first day of fasting in the absence of a unified decision-making process.

Although sighting the new moon of Ramadan is problematic for the Muslims in Germany, the most difficult aspect of Ramadan is the absence of the congregational acts of worship that characterize the month. Muslim residents prepare for Ramadan based on their cultural differences and purchase the necessary materials and foods to prepare the traditional homemade dishes, and decorate the houses.

This year, Ramadan coincides with summer, which makes many Arabs prefer to spend it in their home countries, where it is considered a good occasion for visiting the family, giving it a special social significance among the Muslims.