This Ramadan is the first for Syrians without the Assad family in rule for over 50 years. Despite calls for restaurants to close during daylight hours for fasting, some remain open discreetly. Religious leaders express a sense of victory, while many citizens fear reprisal for public eating. Ramadan customs are observed regionally but vary, influencing communal traditions.
In Syria, the first Ramadan without the Assad family rule in decades has prompted mixed reactions, as some restaurants and cafes remained open while others respected calls for closure during fasting hours. Due to potential reprisals, many individuals are refraining from eating in public, contrasting previous years under Assad’s regime, which allowed public dining. This Ramadan is marked by a sense of both liberation and apprehension under the new 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 significant shift in the nation’s political landscape since the fall of Assad’s regime. Enforcement of fasting regulations has created an environment of fear, with rumors of imprisonment for violations circulating, although no formal government mandate has been issued.
As Ramadan begins, observant Muslims partake in fasting from dawn until sunset, with the communal evening meal known as iftar taking on special significance amid the ongoing sociopolitical changes. Across the region, various countries, including Saudi Arabia, commenced the fasting month on the same day, while others adhered to different traditions.
The observance of Ramadan remains on diverse timelines, dictated by the sighting of the crescent moon, creating variations among Muslim communities. Additionally, charitable acts during this holy month often manifest in organizations providing meals for the needy, as seen in Baghdad where a mosque prepares to support those breaking their fast with free meals.
The initiation of Ramadan in Syria marks a historic departure from the Assad family’s long-standing rule, coinciding with rising tensions and new societal norms under Islamist governance. Observant Muslims navigate the month through the dual lens of celebration and caution, responding to an evolving landscape. With charitable efforts and customs observed throughout the region, the spiritual significance of Ramadan persists despite the challenges faced.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
