17 August 2009 - 10H27
- France - Islam - Ramadan - religion

Ramadan in France: a guide
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Fasting schedules in major French cities, community events, distribution of free meals: FRANCE 24 has assembled an exhaustive guide to keep up with the month-long festivities.
By FRANCE 24 (text)

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When does the fast begin and end?

 

The beginning and end of a given fast day is determined by the times of two prayers. The first signals the beginning of el-Imsak (abstinence) and the cessation of all activity forbidden during Ramadan. The magrib, meanwhile, is the prayer at twilight signaling the end of abstinence – called el-iftar.

 

Following this schedule is a must for those observing Ramadan. In France, the Great Mosque of Paris publishes its full schedule for Paris and the surrounding areas. The Great Mosque of Lyon gives information for Lyon and other areas of France (Marseille, Nice, Lille, etc).

 

Where does one go after el-iftar?

 

The Parisian Muslim community is host to a number of evening festivities during Ramadan.

 

From September 12 to 20, the Algerian Cultural Centre in the 15th arrondissement is holding several concerts featuring Middle Eastern music. The program includes music of the hawzi genre, of Arab-Andalucían and North African origin.

 

The Institute of Islamic Culture and the Chatelêt theatre celebrates the Evenings of Ramadan from September 10 to 19, with free events open to all in the 18th arrondissement.

 

Since 2009 is “The Year of Turkey” in France, some of the celebrations exhibit flavours of that country, including a concert from the group Baba Zula, readings from the mystic poet Rumi, dances by whirling dervishes as interpreted by Ziya Azazi and a photograph exhibit, “The Turkish-Speaking World” by Ergun Cagatay.

 

During these festivities, there will also be interfaith meetings focusing on the fast as well as readings from the Koran by celebrities, and a projection show, “The Starry Skies as Seen by Muslim Astronomers.” An evening on “Humour and Religion” is also planned by the artist Biyouna.

 

Chorba, stuffed brik and honey briouat: must-have recipes for Ramadan

 

A number of recipes are available on the Net. The English-language recipezaar.com has very broad offerings, including recipes from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

 

More recipes may be found on French-only sites:
Recetteduramadan.com proposes a wide selection of dishes for the occasion, featuring specialties from North Africa as well as from Lebanon.
Cuisinedumaroc.com is focused on Moroccan cuisine.
Cuisine-algerie.com gives several recipes for tagine and spit-roasted lamb.
Sahten offers Lebanese delights. 

 

Sadaqua, or social action

 

Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. Muslims also are supposed to engage in charitable work and good deeds, generally referred to as sadaqua.

 

The organization Une Chorba Pour Tous (A Chorba for All), created in 1992, distributes food to the poor in the 19th arrondissement. Since 2006, it has extended its activities to run year-round.

 

Le Secours Islamique (Islamic Aid Society) also offers meals for the poor. This year, it plans to deliver 1,500 meals to individuals and 2,000 to homeless shelters in the greater Paris area.

 

On September 15, the Grand Mosque of Lyon is organizing a meal to mark the end of the fasting period, in the salons of honour in the city hall. Between 200 and 300 people are expected to attend.

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