Muslim community has started period of purification

THE Muslim community in Majorca started Ramadan on Tuesday, a significant religious date, which according to Yousses Jouihri, the imam of the Palma mosque, is known as the fourth pillar of Islam. Ramadan is a physical and spiritual purification, with the fasting starting at sunrise and ending on sunset for 29 to 30 consecutive days, he explained. During these hours of the sun Muslims are not allowed to drink, eat or have sexual relations. When night falls, Muslims then enjoy a light meal which is accompanied by tea and very sweet based foods, such as shebbakia, slilo, ragaif and chebekia. These sweet offerings during Ramadan, are made from wheat, eggs, flour, butter and milk, mixed together with very sugary liquids and juices.
The highly calorific food helps to keep hunger at bay and energy levels up the following day.
Ramadan brings with it a time for reflection and family communication, with the ultimate aim to end controversial arguments. It is also a time of peace, and according to the scriptures, if a person dies during this time, their soul goes directly to paradise.