Ramadhaan In Norway

The Muslims in Norway also face the same problems as their counterparts in foreign countries, with regard to determining the beginning of the holy month, due to the widespread fog and snowfall that persist throughout the year. Thus, they follow other countries to determine the beginning of this virtuous month, which is made common to all the mosques in Norway. Thus, the Muslims in Norway fast together, unlike in other Western countries.

Another problem the Muslims face during the summer days is the length of the day in the country. The day is so long that fasting there may extend to twenty hours, due to the geographic location of Norway.

The Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadhaan in two ways: by performing acts of worship; participating in social functions and preparing traditional meals. As far as the first is concerned, the Muslims countries invite Imaams (religious leaders) andShaykhs (scholars) from Islamic countries, especially Egypt, the country of the famedAl- Azhar university. They also prepare the mosques to receive a great number of Muslims, who come to perform the Taraaweeh Prayer and attend discourses and lectures during Ramadhaan.

The work schedule is organized in a way that enables one to work for lesser hours than usual in the holy month, provided that they compensate for it after the end of the month. However, some employers reject such arrangements. The month ofRamadhaan also witnesses charitable services, where the mosques organize charity dinners in order to develop greater religious fervor in Muslims, especially in the younger generation. Stores owned by Muslims provide traditional food for fasting people throughout the holy month.

Thus, Allaah The Almighty has made Ramadhaan a good opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to Him, endeavor to revive their Islamic sentiments, and convey them to the non-Muslims in foreign countries.