Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims around the world, and it is no different in Morocco. As a predominantly Muslim country, Moroccans observe Ramadan with fasting, prayer, and reflection. However, not all Moroccans are Muslims, and many foreigners living in Morocco also participate in the month-long observance.
Morocco is a country that is well-known for its tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and religions. During Ramadan, this tolerance is exemplified by Moroccans accommodating foreigners and people from other faiths to make them feel welcome and comfortable.
Many expatriates and tourists in Morocco find that the experience of Ramadan is unique and rewarding. An American student living in Morocco told Barlaman Today, “It has been been three years since I’ve been in Morocco, and people are very welcoming. I’ve been invited to many ftours, as I am trying to fast this year to have the full experience. For foreigners, there are plenty of ways to get food.”
One of the most significant challenges that foreigners face during Ramadan is adjusting to the daily routine. With the fast starting at dawn and ending at sunset, foreigners may find that their daily schedule is disrupted. However, many Moroccans are understanding and accommodating, and they often adjust to help foreigners cope with the changes.
It is challenging for some people, mainly in the morning when they need to get a coffee or some food, and the only option is Marjane Market, depending on where you are. “Sometimes we feel that it will be more respectful to hide that I am eating,” said a Canadian tourist to Barlaman Today.
Moroccans also show their tolerance by respecting the difference of others. For example, many restaurants in Morocco will remain open during the day to serve non-Muslim customers, even though staff obviously cannot eat or drink during the fast.
An Israeli couple shared their stay-in experience in Morocco during Ramadan, saying, “I think wherever you go you should respect the people and their culture. When we share mutual respect, you have the best relationship. This morning during our breakfast in the hotel, we saw ham (pork) meat for European tourists, and we were so shocked because it’s a Muslim Country, and it is very unusual to respect others by giving them what they want and expecting them to respect the local culture.”
Moreover, Moroccan families often invite foreigners to share the ftour meal, which is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. This is an opportunity for foreigners to experience Moroccan hospitality and culinary delights and to share in the community spirit of Ramadan.
Yet, in some popular neighborhoods and conservative cities, non-Muslims feel embarrassed while eating or drinking outside. A French couple shared their experience in relating, “We came yesterday to Morocco, so we have limited experience with Ramadan here. We were not comfortable eating in front of people, and people were staring at us, but I think it depends on where we do that.”
Moroccans show their inclusiveness and tolerance to foreigners by respecting the religious freedom of others, making Ramadan a time of community and solidarity. By welcoming foreigners and making them feel at home, Morocco sets an example of tolerance from which other countries can learn.