Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. During this whole month, the observers of Islam, also known as, Muslims, fast from sunrise to sunset. When they are fasting, they mustn’t consume and food nor drinks, along with which thoughts must also be kept pure. Muslims believe that fasting teaches patience, modesty, and spirituality.
Meals which are served before sunrise, are called Sahoor, and after sunset, are called Iftar, and are often eaten with family or with the local community.
Muslims all over the world follow these restrictions with complete devotion.
Riyadh is no different. All eateries are closed during the day and labour intensive work is done in the night as the desert weather is harsh.
A person’s daily activities can range from just staying at home, safe from the sun, or indulging in worship such as reading the Quran, which is the Holy Book of Muslims.
One of the prominent goals in most households is for every member of the family, upon which fasting is obligatory to complete reciting the whole Quran before Ramadan finishes. There will be some who partake in activities with organisations to distribute food and water to the poor, and to those stuck in during sunset, which is Iftar time so that they break their fasts.
Diets of the people in Riyadh changes a lot. People begin to consume food that retains water and energy in their bodies longer, especially for Sahoor before the fast begins. This includes eggs, grains, fruits, milk, and whole bread along with yoghurt.
Yoghurt becomes an important part of the diet as it is said to keep the thirst away.
The Iftaars are usually lavish and heavy, but watermelons and fruit salads are eaten often as well.
The sunset meal brings together the community and families to eat and dine together.
Even though Riyadh hosts individuals from all over the world, people come together and celebrate this holy month with unity, which has resulted in the major cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to not only have authentic Arab food but now also boasts an array of cuisines from all over the world.
Dahi vadey from India, Haleem from Central Asia and Pakistan, along with Kolak from Indonesia are one of the many dishes are found in the wondrous city of Riyadh.
Riyadh also holds in it a variety of restaurants and diners that give you the true authentic taste of the Arab world, along with the whole Middle East as well; some also allow you to indulge in the cuisines from all over the world for Sahoor and Iftar.
Though Saudi Arabia is thought of as a barren desert with not much variety or diversity, you may be surprised as how much this beautiful country has to offer.
Riyadh is full of spectacles which you should witness for yourself as well.
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