Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr were already part of Dutch society before labor migration from largely Morocco and Turkey started. And they are still a custom among Muslims in the Netherlands. A further explanation about this.
Empathize
Within Islam there are five pillars, religious obligations that a Muslim must adhere to. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of these pillars and obligatory for every healthy and adult Muslim. Teenagers are also allowed to participate. Pregnant people, the elderly, and women who menstruate during Ramadan do not have to adhere to this rule. Aktas: ‘The idea is to get closer to Allah by carrying this burden and to empathize with people who have to make do with less.’
Creating moments of silence
Ramadan or not, Aktas states that it can be meaningful for everyone to create moments in your life to stand still, come to yourself and grow. ‘We live in a time of instant gratification, in other words: we want the same answer to everything. We are no longer used to waiting. That’s why it’s important to understand the value of patience. Many beautiful things in life do not provide an immediate answer.’
Be more patient
She further explains Ramadan: ‘During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything between dawn and sunset. I then become aware of myself and my actions. During this period of reflection I learn to be more patient and keep my thoughts pure. I also feel grateful. Because eating and drinking when you want seems obvious, but it is not. Ramadan is also a period in which you visit each other; come closer together with family and/or friends. Those are very pleasant evenings.’
The Ramadan drummers
From 2017 to 2022, Aktas lived and worked in Turkey. She remembers the Ramadan drummers there, called ‘davulcu’ in Turkish, a tradition in Turkey. They walk through the streets, beating their drums and singing special songs, ‘mani’. The sound of the drum and the melodious chants remind people to get up and prepare for the upcoming fast day. ‘When I first heard the davulcu in the middle of the night, I was terrified. I was wide awake, I will never forget that moment.’
Nap during lunch break
As a senior relationship manager at the National Archives, Aktas is a point of contact for customers. How does a busy job fit in with fasting? ‘The first days of fasting are the hardest, because my body has to get used to it. Especially getting up at night for the ‘sahur’, the meal before dawn. Fortunately, you get used to it after about three days. Meeting early in the morning is also difficult in the first few days. Lack of sleep makes me concentrate less well. That’s why I take a nap during the lunch break on working days from home. And at the office I go for a walk outside during lunch.’
from iftar
The moment of breaking the fast at the end of Ramadan is called iftar. Aktas: ‘There are different traditions for iftar in different countries. Yet dates with water or milk are often a regular use. This is usually followed by several dishes and the table is full of snacks. We often drink Turkish lentil soup at home during iftar, my favorite soup.’
The Eid al-Fitr
At the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr, Eid Al Fitr. Eid is Arabic for celebration. Aktas’ family goes all out: everyone makes a huge amount of sweet snacks. Muslims often start the day with a visit to the mosque for the special Eid prayer. How Eid is celebrated varies from culture to culture. ‘Our family visits each other. And the children receive presents or pocket money. We often also buy new clothes to look our best. If you want to congratulate a Muslim on completing this special month, say: Eid Mubarak!’, says Aktas.
Photo collection
This year, Ramadan started on March 11 and will last until April 9, 2024. In the archives of the National Archives you can see various photos about Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr in the past.
