Yemenis in Liverpool, UK: Ramadans Spirit Never Lost [Archives:2001/02/Culture]

 
K. A Assize
Liverpool, UK
 
 
 
 
There is a general consensus among the members of the Yemeni community of Liverpool, UK, that Ramadan nowadays is much more felt and enjoyed than it had been in the past.
It is narrated by some elders of the community in Liverpool that 30 years ago or so Ramadan and Eid used to come and go without some members of the community even realizing. However, the situation has improved dramatically, particularly since the establishment of the first Mosque of Liverpool by the late Ahmed Hezam in 1974. the central mosque has expanded since and now plays a major role in the life of a large number of members of the Yemeni community, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Prior to Ramadan, the mosque distributes timetable sheets to the community as well as announcing the approximate date of the start of the holly month. Confirmation of the start is made through open telephone lines. In this way the community gets to know when Ramadan would start and prepares for it.
Ramadan nowadays is even felt and enjoyed more due to the introduction of Arabic satellite TVs which practically every house has. Through these TVs they get to share the Ramadan atmosphere in the Arabic countries by watching various programs especially Al Taraweeh Prayers from the holly city of Mecca. This year is even more special with the introduction of the Yemeni satellite TV to the broadcasting zone of UK. All these factors have helped the Yemeni community feel Ramadan even better. However, there are still many complaints about the lack of Ramadan atmosphere in Liverpool when compared to Yemen. We all agree: that there is no comparison! Many long to spend this holly month in their homeland, Yemen.
Since working hours is not changed during Ramadan, the spirit of the month does not commence until Iftar time when people gather in the mosque in preparation of fast breaking. Iftar is done with date, tea, Yemeni coffee s well as other traditional Yemeni food especially Bent-alsahan which some Yemeni families share with the other members of the Islamic community.
Following Iftar and Magreb prayer, they set off home to have the major feast which include all types of traditional Yemeni food including salta, aseed, rice, curry, soup, sabaia.
This year Ramadan day lengths are the shortest since the 70s. Fasting begins at approximately 7 oclock in the morning and lasts until 4 oclock in the evening. For this reason, hunger and thirst are not felt at all and many young people are able to fast this year.
Students at the university break their fast at Liverpool University Mosque with food and drink provided for them by the mosque management.
Isha and Taraweeh are attended by the majority of people, both male and female young and old. In many instances whole families attend the prayers while their children are cared for by the mosque nursery.
Following Taraweeh, a good number of Yemenis gather in the Yemeni Community Center situated at the heart of the Yemeni community. There, they spend a good few hours chatting, exchanging ideas, talking about their homeland or listening to reminders, while indulging in Qat chewing. This year the number of people coming to the center has increased due to the enlargement of the Diwan.
Since Qat is not a habit of the Yemeni ladies, they usually gather in a different house each night where they indulge in eating, chatting and watching Yemeni TV.
It can be concluded that Ramadan atmosphere is generally getting better both in Liverpool and nationally in the whole UK. The British establishment is also trying to improve Ramadan atmosphere. This year Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as the leaders of the opposition parties, William Hague and Charles Kennedy, they all wished the Muslim community best wishes on the occasion of Ramadan. The central television allocated an hour a week for the broadcasting Ramadan programs to the Muslim community, which is also a good sign. In short, even in Liverpool, UK, Ramadan spirit is never lost.


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