The fasting month of Ramadan ends for around 400,000 Muslims in Switzerland. Preparations for the big festival on Wednesday are in full swing.
Time to look back at 30 intensive days. The 31-year-old Muslim Blerta Gashi from the Bern region strictly observed Ramadan.
SRF: Are you happy or sad that Ramadan is about to end?
Blerta Gashi: I’m already wistful. Of course, on the one hand you are happy because it is tiring without food and drink. On the other hand, you are also sad because it is a very nice time. These are spiritual days that we Muslims await with great excitement.
How do you imagine these days?
We each got up before sunrise. We ate something small and used up the last of our energy. After that we gave up.
Don’t you reach your physical limits?
But of course, it’s not easy. But somehow you are also much clearer in your head. You don’t constantly think about eating or drinking. I feel more active and can therefore reflect more on my behavior.
So it’s not just about fasting?
No. The spiritual is just as important. You see that you are getting closer to God spiritually and rethink your personal behavior.
Every year, as a human being, we set ourselves new goals.
Right from the start, I focus on certain goals that I want to achieve. I try to keep this during Ramadan.
What are these goals?
They are very individual goals. Personally, I wanted to try to make less judgments about other people. Because of their appearance, statements or activities, you often think you know what a person is like.
It is important that you don’t forget your goals even after Ramadan.
My goal this year was to not create stereotypical images and to try to eliminate negative thoughts.
Do you have three small children – an additional challenge?
As a mother, I was probably much calmer and more relaxed for my children, but also hungrier. It wasn’t easy to prepare meals for them or watch them eat snacks. But if you put all your energy into Ramadan, then it works wonderfully.
So the children didn’t take part?
No, they are still too young. But they would have liked to join in if they ever saw us get up early in the morning. We didn’t want to keep it completely from them. I then said to them: ‘So, now you can fast for two hours’. She was happy about that.
Is Ramadan actually the same every year for you?
If that were the case, something would be wrong. It should be a sequel. Every year, as a human being, we set ourselves new goals. It’s important that you don’t forget the good intentions that you practiced for thirty days during Ramadan. For example, that you continue your good behavior and become a better person from year to year.
And tomorrow comes the big family celebration at the end of Ramadan. How should we imagine this?
The family meets. The children receive gifts. We celebrate, enjoy the time and, yes, eat a lot. It’s not that easy on the first day after Ramadan. You have to be careful not to get sick.
The interview was conducted by Sven Epiney.
Legend:
People of the Muslim faith celebrate the end of the fasting month all over the world – including in Delhi in India.
Keystone / EPA / STR