Emory College Study Abroad
Al-Quaraouiyine
Arabic Language and North African Studies Program, Summer 2018
Fes, Morocco
Though there is no rule anywhere that a non-Muslim is not allowed to enter a mosque, tourists chose to respectfully gaze at al-Quaraouiyine from the outside. Al-Quaraouiyine University is the oldest university in the world and has its own mosque (as in many Moroccan universities). This was one of the few times I saw men and women in the same room within a mosque. Located in the heart of the medina, concealed by twists and turns of the ancient, narrow streets, you'll find the al-Quaraouiyine mosque to be an oasis of quiet in the middle of bustling Fes. People took the opportunity to nap and rest in the shade as they were exhausted from fasting (this was during Ramadan). An interesting thing about Morocco is that even if a Moroccan does not observe Ramadan, or might not consider themselves religious, it is illegal to violate the fast in a public place during Ramadan. The fasting period varies for Muslims across the world because it lasts from dawn to dusk, and this varies depending on your geographical location. 'Iftar' was always exciting - getting to breakfast with your friends that were fasting. You would think that people would eat as much as possible as soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, but iftar was surprisingly small and standard. You typically had harira (a red soup only served during Ramadan), a date (for sugar to break your fast), some bread, and either orange juice or milk. After this, it's up to families and individuals as to if they have a real dinner after iftar! One regret I have is never trying to fast for a day. I had friends that would study all day and then ALSO work out while fasting.
Al-Quaraouiyine
Arabic Language and North African Studies Program, Summer 2018
Fes, Morocco
Though there is no rule anywhere that a non-Muslim is not allowed to enter a mosque, tourists chose to respectfully gaze at al-Quaraouiyine from the outside. Al-Quaraouiyine University is the oldest university in the world and has its own mosque (as in many Moroccan universities). This was one of the few times I saw men and women in the same room within a mosque. Located in the heart of the medina, concealed by twists and turns of the ancient, narrow streets, you'll find the al-Quaraouiyine mosque to be an oasis of quiet in the middle of bustling Fes. People took the opportunity to nap and rest in the shade as they were exhausted from fasting (this was during Ramadan). An interesting thing about Morocco is that even if a Moroccan does not observe Ramadan, or might not consider themselves religious, it is illegal to violate the fast in a public place during Ramadan. The fasting period varies for Muslims across the world because it lasts from dawn to dusk, and this varies depending on your geographical location. 'Iftar' was always exciting - getting to breakfast with your friends that were fasting. You would think that people would eat as much as possible as soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, but iftar was surprisingly small and standard. You typically had harira (a red soup only served during Ramadan), a date (for sugar to break your fast), some bread, and either orange juice or milk. After this, it's up to families and individuals as to if they have a real dinner after iftar! One regret I have is never trying to fast for a day. I had friends that would study all day and then ALSO work out while fasting.