(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Wassim Haidar BEIRUT, May 26 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Muslims, particularly the Beirutis, greet onset of the fasting month of Ramadan with family feasts and gatherings, following steps of religion-abiding ancestors.
The Beirutis, particularly the seniors and the older generations, refer to the joyful occasion as "sebanat Ramadan," and the renowned historian, Dr. Hassan Hallaq explains in an interview with KUNA that the local term derives from "estebanat," locally meaning awaiting sighting of the crescent.
In the old times, Beirutis would gather at the shores for the crescent sighting. Testimonies by three pious and sincere persons in front of the Grand Mufti and senior scholars are sufficient to declare that Ramadan has just begun.
The ancestors used to celebrate the occasion with feasts and celebratory gatherings on the beaches. Nowadays, families celebrate indoors, at homes or other places.
Many families remain keen on celebrating the few days ahead of Ramadan by heading to entertainment parks and beautiful regions in the mountainous country sides.
By contrast, Kuwaitis hold "ghraish" feasts and family gatherings shortly ahead of the annual spiritual month.
Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. They break the day-long fasting with the "iftar meal." Many have another meal of lighter food before dawn, called "sohoor." (end) wh.rk
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