Germany’s Muslim community begins Ramadan observance
Muslims across Germany mark the start of Ramadan with fasting, prayer, and community events
BERLIN, Germany (MNTV) — Muslims across Germany started observing Ramadan, marking a period of fasting, prayer, and community gatherings.
With an estimated 5.5 million Muslims in the country, Islam remains Germany’s second-largest faith group after Christianity.
While fasting from dawn to sunset remains a central practice, the experience of Ramadan in Germany differs from that in Muslim-majority nations, where shortened work hours and festive public displays are common.
Many Muslims balance their spiritual commitments with daily routines, navigating work, school, and other responsibilities without the widespread accommodations found elsewhere, as reported by The Pinnacle Gazette.
Berlin resident Camilla Al-Mousllie described the deeply personal experience of breaking the fast.
“The first sip of water feels extraordinary. You notice every sensation—it’s a moment that moves me every year,” she said.
Communal gatherings play a crucial role in maintaining the Ramadan spirit.
In major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, mosques and cultural centers host iftar meals and prayers.
Halal restaurants extend their hours, and supermarkets stock Ramadan-specific foods, helping to foster a sense of connection.
This year, Ramadan events in Germany highlight both religious observance and cultural diversity.
Initiatives such as “Ramadan Rendezvous” provide spaces for interfaith dialogue, while city-sponsored programs emphasize inclusivity.
Frankfurt, for instance, will illuminate its city center with Ramadan-themed lights, reflecting its commitment to diversity.
Mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg of Frankfurt expressed support for such efforts, stating, “Muslim life is a natural part of our city. Frankfurt stands for diversity and openness.”
As Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr—known in Germany as Zuckerfest or the “Sugar Feast”—Muslims will gather for prayers, family celebrations, and the exchange of sweets.
Despite being in a non-Muslim-majority country, Germany’s Muslims continue to strengthen their communal bonds, embracing both faith and intercultural exchange during this sacred month.
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