Ramadan Iftar (Al-Dara'a): fascinating Sudanese Traditions That Will Not disappeared| Sudanow Magazine

PortSudan (Sudanow)

they were coming back on their way from the horse racing track in southern Khartoum to their home in the city center. A Sudanese citizen stepped out and asked them to get down from their vehicle. Initially, they were cautious of this stranger, as the sun was about to dip below the horizon. From a distance, it seemed as though the entire neighborhood had gathered in the street, sitting in front of their homes. When they didn't respond, another person approached, repeating the request with increasing urgency. They finally dismounted from their vehicle, and to their surprise, they were welcomed with warmth and hospitality. The crowd greeted them with smiles, repeating phrases of welcome, and they soon realized that they were being invited to share a meal.

It was during the month of Ramadan, a month that holds special significance for the people of Sudan. The way they celebrate Ramadan is unlike any other month of the year, with unique traditions that this Greek family, who had come to the country to teach, had never witnessed before.

They were astonished by the festive atmosphere, which they had never seen before. It was time for iftar ( breakfast), and as is customary in Sudanese cities, towns, and villages, people gather in the streets, roads, and public squares. They spread out mats on the ground and share food, and remarkably, no one misses out on participating. Even if the head of the household is away or deceased, the women prepare the food, and one of the young men from the neighborhood takes it out to the(Dara'a) the place where the tables are set up in the middle of the road.

The gathering of people in the streets, known as (Al-Dara'a), is a true embodiment of solidarity. Everyone shares food, especially the poor and needy. Some people may not have enough food to break their fast, but Al-Dara'a is a table for everyone, including passersby.

That day's iftar was an opportunity for the Greek family to learn about Sudanese customs and traditions. They were impressed by the hospitality and said they loved the Ramadan iftars. They even made it a point to participate in these iftars because Sudanese people get upset if their invitation is not accepted. This is unlike any other country they had visited, where no one invites you to share their food.

As for his wife, Mrs. Nani, who is from Germany, she has become skilled in cooking traditional Ramadan dishes, especially Asseeda (made from flour and eaten with (Moloh) a sauce made from meat and dried okra. She is also skilled in cooking (Molokhia) and making local drinks such as Karkade, Tebeldi, and Ardeeb. Additionally, she makes Mideeda, a traditional sweet dish, and they also enjoy Ful (fava beans) with sesame oil and Haloomur.

This family arrived in Sudan in 2007 with the in order to teach at Confluence School in Khartoum,which is located in the area where the two Niles meet (the White Nile, which originates from Lake Victoria in Uganda, and the Blue Nile, which originates from Lake Tana in Ethiopia). The husband and wife, who teaches alongside him and has accompanied him throughout these years, found that this country combines the beauty of nature with the beauty and kindness of its people. They lived in safety and tranquility, as Sudanese people are peaceful and hospitable. They welcomed them with open arms, and they spent those years in comfort and happiness, as they put it.

As for Ili and her daughters, they grew up and were raised in Sudan. Ramadan is a special and beloved month for them, as they play a significant humanitarian role. They participate in preparing the (saayim) bag with their school friends, providing essential food items that families need during Ramadan, and distributing them to poor families in several neighborhoods.

Throughout those years, Ramadan was a month of solidarity, compassion, and numerous prayers. Most weekdays were spent out with their Sudanese friends. However, on that ,the ominous day the situation turned from one of security, tranquility, and peace to a state of panic due to the war. They found themselves in the line of fire, as the Greek community building was located midway between the Presidential Palace and the Army General Command building. Moreover, elements of the dissolved Rapid Support Forces militia had set up anti-aircraft missile launch pads next to their residential building. The sound of gunfire, artillery, and explosions came randomly from the areas controlled by the rebel militia. They became trapped, unable to leave.

They said that the number of individuals in the compound exceeded twenty-five, with most families inside the building when the war erupted. Several shells hit the residential buildings, injuring two people with shrapnel. They were taken to Fadil Hospital, the closest hospital, by one of their friends. They said the fighting continued, with intense and relentless shelling, and many shells fell near their kitchen, forcing them to move to the school, where the library building on the ground floor was the most secure. They took refuge there.

As for food and water, their supplies were sufficient for only the first few days. Then, electricity and water were cut off, but they had a generator that helped with lighting. However, after the fuel ran out, they lived in complete darkness. They sent several distress messages, but no one could reach them due to the dangerous situation and intense fighting.

After twelve days, Sheikh Amin, a Sufi leader from Omdurman, managed to send a group of his followers to evacuate them. They were able to reach them during the ceasefire announcement, although the fighting did not completely stop. The army helped, and they were able to leave despite the militia's violations and the bus that took them being surrounded by gunfire and shells.

Finally, they arrived in Omdurman city, and from Wadi Seidna base, they were evacuated to Jordan, then to Germany, and eventually to Greece.

Now, they are in Egypt after a long journey of suffering, enduring hardships and bearing a lot. However, despite those bitter experiences, they expressed their desire to return to Sudan as soon as the situation stabilizes.

They said that Sudan is their second home, where their children grew up. One of the girls drew a picture of the Sudanese flag and wrote around it, Sudan is my homeland, and war will not destroy our homes. We will return to them. Their mother mentioned that they couldn't adapt or live in Greece. She said that they often feel depressed because of their separation from Sudan, where they grew up and love everything about it.

We have a farm in the Dardoug area of Bahri city, where Abu Saberin cultivates some crops and vegetables. We also raise a group of horses, which we all take care of, she said. We miss those beautiful days, and we all wait for the situation to stabilize so we can return to Sudan.

This reflects the sentiment of Sudanese people everywhere, as many in Egypt still celebrate this original Ramadan tradition. You'll find groups of people living in the same area gathering in the streets or in front of their homes, especially here in the city of Badr in Cairo. They still stop passersby and invite them to break their fast with the same eagerness and strong desire to share with them.

Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Rahman explained, Since last Ramadan, we've been holding our collective iftar, and all our acquaintances set up( Al-Dara'a) in their gathering areas.

The memory of war did not lose Ramadan of its status, flavor, or mercy. Now, after the army's great victories and the cleansing of the country from those militias that destroyed many of the country's properties and capabilities, they did not destroy its humanity, with its generous customs and traditions that even foreigners who have experienced them at some point adore.
They now stand side by side with Sudanese people, waiting for the return train to their homeland.

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Congratulations on the Occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Congratulations on the Occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan