Embracing Diversity: How ABICOR BINZEL employees celebrate Ramadan

As ABICOR BINZEL has subsidiaries all over the world, many of our colleagues, partners and customers celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Our colleagues from our latest established subsidiary ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb share some general information and their very personal meaning of Ramadan with us.

What is Ramadan and what does it involve?

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims all over the world. Is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows the phases of the moon. This means the dates of Ramadan change each year. The month starts when the new crescent moon is first visible in the night sky.

During Ramadan, the day starts early so that people can eat a meal before dawn. This meal, called Suhoor, is important as it will keep fasting Muslims going though the day. During daylight hours, they cannot eat food or drink water or any other drinks. In late spring or early summer, this is particularly difficult as the day can be very long. People who live in polar regions, where daylight can last 22 hours or more, can choose to follow the dawn and sunset times in Mecca or a nearby country where the sky is dark at night.

But not all Muslims are expected to fast. Children under the age of 12, people who are travelling, elderly people, pregnant women and others where it may affect their health are exempted. Those who can’t fast for any reason can offer to feed poor people for each day they miss during Ramadan.

What happens at sunset during Ramadan?

People can eat and drink again once the sun has gone down. The traditional way to break the fast is by eating dates and drinking a glass of water. The following evening meal, iftar, is a social event that can go on for hours. It is common for people to eat together in large groups of family and friends. Special foods are prepared and shared.

Muslims often include charity in iftar as well, sharing iftar with members of the community who cannot buy their own food. Across the Muslim world, mosque and aid organizations set up tents and tables for the public in poorer communities to donate free iftar meal every night of Ramadan.

What does Ramadan mean for the colleagues from ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb?

"I love this special month, especially for fasting it’s a real detox to purify the body by promoting the elimination of toxins. Also, the family reunion, sharing traditional meals and moments. This holy month is, for me, an occasion to get closer to God and do charity."

Hajar Zaida (Assistant Manager) ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb

"More than fasting. Eleven months in the year to feed our body. One month to feed our soul. Ramadan Kareem."

Abdelfettah Habbou (General Manager) ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb

"Personally, Ramadan allows me to refocus all areas of my life. It makes me think about what is important (family, friends, …) and how I adjust my time accordingly. It is also a time to increase patience, closeness to God and generosity towards others."

Mohammed Elboubekri (Financial Manager) ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb

"For me Ramadan is a way to practice self-discipline and reflect on my spirituality, also when I perform acts of charity and kindness."

Souhail Wafid (Sales Agent) ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb

"Ramadan is for me the month when family gatherings are the best. When we encourage each other to be patient till the fast breaking, then we eat delicious traditional dishes and Moroccan pastries."

Rachid Moustarziq (Sales and Development Manager) ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb

"For me this holy month is an opportunity to get closer to God and try to spend time with my family and friends, also to care of poor people and do charity."

Zouhir Anouaji (Store Keeper) ABICOR BINZEL Maghreb

Ramadan Kareem from us to you!