HuffPost UK
By Faima Bakar
Tuesday April 19, 2022
Welcome back to My Ramadan Routine, the series spotlighting
the lives of Muslims celebrating the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
So far we’ve had Cherno – the man with enviable levels of
discipline – who’s been eating the same iftar for 11 years. We were also
delighted to join mayor of London Sadiq Khan for his community iftar – a first
to be held at the historic Tower of London.
This week we’re joined by Sarah Mire, 25, a baker from
London who often shares her delectable offerings on Instagram.
Sarah tells HuffPost she keeps her iftars varied,
fluctuating between traditional Somali dishes – suqaar (a curry-style item),
Sabaayad (similar to rotis), Luhooh, (which is made using self raising
flour/yeast), and sambusa (which is a samosa) – to Western foods, like the
iftar she’s prepared today.
Let’s see what a typical fasting day looks like for Sarah.
Sarah, what are you
having for Iftar?
“My iftar tonight will be dates, maple lamb chops, freshly
made tabouleh, courgette, and parmesan pasta. After, I will drink lots of
fluids and sometimes fresh juice – today it is cloudy lemonade!
“I love food and I appreciate the wonders of it. In my
Somali culture we typically have our Somali rice with lamb, however, we
understand that this cannot be consumed every day and tend to have this
beautiful traditional meal once a week.”
Tell us about your
Ramadan routine
“My Ramadan routine consist of prayers, reading Qu’ran and
reflecting on the things God has blessed me with. Truthfully, eating suhoor
(pre-dawn meal) can really overwhelm me, so therefore I keep it light with
fruits, nuts, and dates. I always prioritise that my mornings consist in a
conversation with God as that is when I am more in present.
“I love wearing silk and earrings are always a must. This
Ramadan I am wearing my lemon earrings from Italy, Sicily. I am so grateful for
lemons; my favourite dessert is a citron tart! Alhamdulillah (praise to God).”
Are there any rituals you do throughout the day?
“Attending my favourite parks in London. It is truly where I
connect the most with God – seeing flowers bloom, squirrels create alliances with
each other to hide nuts or birds drinking water from the fountain, I am
reminded that these gardens here in London, will be a similar experience in
heaven but infinitely better!
“Nature is a true testimony of God’s creations and to
experience this in Ramadan is a blessing. It is so humbling to see nature
before me, I am reminded that this universe is far bigger than me.”
How do you break up
your fasting day?
“I run 7km twice a week and also do strength training – this
normally happens either in the morning or in the evening depending on my work
schedule. In between I take a pause during my work schedule to pray and to be
mindful.”
What do you love
baking for Iftar during Ramadan?
“I love baking desserts and this Ramadan I have baked my
incredible tiramisu. It is made with mascarpone, sour cream and ricotta infused
with coffee sitting on a bed of 65% chocolate ganache and dusted with dark
cocoa! It is the perfect pick me up dessert – literally!”
What are some Ramadan
rituals that you love?
“I love the emphasis on the importance of family. To ensure
that everyone else is fed and happy. I apricate the inclusivity and
centralisation of God in this very capitalistic world where currency is adorned
and sometimes worshipped a bit too much.”
And finally, what do you crave the most while fasting?
“That’s easy - breakfast!”