Ramadan in Makkah is different to how the month is spent in other Islamic countries. Life dramatically changes along with eating habits, and some common dishes are replaced with special Ramadan dishes.
In this month, imams in all mosques across the world — not just in the Two Holy Cities — undertake the recitation of the entire Holy Qur’an from beginning till end. This is called the “Khatm Al-Qur’an” and in most mosques in Makkah, this “Khatm” at the end of the month is celebrated with sweets distributed to worshippers.
The congregation for Isha and Taraweeh prayers inside the Grand Mosque reflects the dynamic unity of Muslims. Islam stands for unity of Muslims as one nation worshipping only God and following His divine guidance as given to the Muslim Ummah through His Prophet (peace be upon him).
For iftar, only dates and Saudi coffee are allowed in inside the Holy Mosque. People distribute dates with the hope of earning extra rewards. The air of the external plazas of the Grand Mosque is full of the smell of different dishes that delight passersby.
Samosas are a special attraction and drinks made from yoghurt, Rooh-Afza, and Vimto bring a healthy relief to people who fast the entire day.
People have 10 minutes to eat at sunset and thousands of workers in the Grand Mosque clean up, collecting the plastic tablecloths in time for prayer.
At home, Saudis and people living in Makkah have special soup made of broken wheat, meat and spices called Shorbat Al-Habb. It is said this soup revives the strength lost during the whole day of fasting. The most common dishes in Makkah during Ramadan are kabsa, zurbiyan, mandi and roasted meat. After Maghrib prayers, the visitors crowd the restaurants for food. Wh en the call for Isha prayer is given after a two-hour break, people rush back for their Isha and Taraweeh prayers that last nearly two hours.
Ramadan in Makkah has a special flavor
Ramadan in Makkah has a special flavor
KSrelief expands healthcare, food support in Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief recently inaugurated a kidney dialysis unit at Al-Jada Health Center in Yemen’s Hajjah governorate.
The unit will improve healthcare services, ease the suffering of patients with kidney failure, ensure access to sustainable treatment, and reduce financial burdens on families, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 1,000 food baskets to internally displaced persons in Seiyun district, Hadramout governorate, benefiting 7,000 people under the Emergency Food Interventions Project.
KSrelief also signed a cooperation agreement with a Yemeni civil society organization to support small-scale livestock breeders and promote domestic biogas production in Hidaybu district, Socotra governorate, under the “Seed” initiative.
The initiative aims to boost food security and sustainability in rural communities by supporting agriculture and livestock breeders, the SPA reported.
It will provide 150 families in need with essential agricultural inputs and three cows each, install biogas units, and train beneficiaries in their use and maintenance.
In addition, 75 people will receive training in dairy production and 20 in basic veterinary care and disease prevention. A mobile veterinary unit will be equipped and handed over to the authorities, benefiting 1,050 vulnerable individuals.
These initiatives are part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to support the health, food, and agriculture sectors and ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.
