Sacramento's Afghan refugees are preparing for Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. During Ramadan, families wake early, before sunrise, and eat a pre-dawn meal, called suhoor, then fast from food and drink until sundown.
After sunset, families gather at home, with friends, or at the local mosque for nightly prayers, called taraweeh, and a community meal called iftar. The holiday Eid al-fitr marks the end of Ramadan.
But, for Sacramento’s newly arrived refugees, Ramadan will look very different this year. Extended family and other loved ones have been left behind in Afghanistan. Large groups will not be able to gather at mosques for nightly prayers, called taraweeh, as is the normal tradition.
Eid al-Fitr may be celebrated with more modest amounts of food as those affected financially will be unable to afford the usual feast.
