Every year, more than one billion Muslims around the world observe fasting for approximately 30 days during the Holy Month of Ramadan to honour Sawm, one of the five pillars of Islam. It is during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when the Quran is believed to have been revealed to prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
The other fundamental pillars of Islam and obligatory acts of worship that every Muslim must observe during Ramadan are: Shahadah, the profession of faith in allah; Salat, the daily prayers; Zakat; giving alms/charity to the poor and being kind to the needy; the Hajj, the mandatory pilgrimage to holy mosque in Makkah.
Fasting from sunrise to sunset is an obligatory spiritual practice that allows for mental and physical renewal, leading to empowerment of the individual. Ramadan brings families closer together, strengthens their foundations, restores their beliefs, reconnects them to their spiritual roots and reinforces in them the need to be thankful for everything they have.
All healthy Muslim adults are mandated to fast, except for prepubertal children, the elderly, pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and travelers.
Friends and families who fast come together to eat two meals a day during the holiest period of the year: Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before the fast begins, which may be as early as 3am; and Iftar, the post-dusk meal to break their fast. This helps build a strong sense of community happiness and individual wellbeing as they partake in the rituals of Ramadan.
Suhoor is a meal just like breakfast, although in some households it may include supper-like foods in order to provide the body enough fuel to suffice the daytime fasting.
Iftar usually starts with dates and a glass of plain water or milk, followed by a wholesome dinner.
Abstaining from food and water, between suhoor and Iftar, during the sizzling summer months can be gruelling, both mentally and physically. Hence it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
The most common manifestations of ill health in people who fast during the holy month are hydration, general malaise, indigestion, fatigue, heartburn, irritability or a slight decline in cognitive functions. A well balanced diet of fresh fruits, water-based vegetables, green leaves will help you regulate your body heat, maintain optimum body functions and fight off these common conditions.
All Accor hotels in Makkah are well aware of the havocs of extreme weather and long periods of fasting on your health. A range of services and facilities are on offer to take care of your every dietary need. There are many international restaurants and cafés in the Makkah Royal Tower that serve cuisines from all around the world, and the massive food court at the Abraj Al-Bait Complex comprises of restaurants, small eateries and cafés where you can grab a quick bite on the go.
Check out some of the best restaurants in Makkah for you and your family to enjoy a healthy Suhoor and Iftar.
Enjoy one complimentary drink to start every stay right.
Check in with ease at our dedicated members’ reception desk.
Stay in your room until 4.00 pm, upon request (subject to availability).
