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Ramadan Around The World: Celebrating Ramadan As A Dutch Muslim Revert In The Netherlands

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Cheng Sim •  May 02, 2021

As part of our Ramadan Around The World series, we will be sharing heartwarming stories on how Ramadan is celebrated around the world. Based on the story submitted by Eva Sonnia from The Hague, The Netherlands, this interview has been edited for length and clarity by Have Halal, Will Travel's editorial team.

The Netherlands may be a small country situated between Germany and Belgium, but the scenic countryside and beautiful architecture is what makes this destination special. For Eva Sonnia, a Dutch Muslim revert who have been living in The Netherlands all her life, this is also where Eva will be spending her Ramadan this year.

Credit: Eva Sonnia

Living in The Hague, a city located in western Netherlands, Eva finds joy in her go-to sahur and iftar food. "For sahur, I'll have bread with peanut butter, a banana, and a glass of milk whereas for iftar, I'll enjoy a date, soup, fruits, and a glass of milk."

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Ramadan is the loneliness. "Ramadan is a month full of blessings, a chance to be better, and do what Allah asks of us. While most Muslims look forward to sharing this month with their loved ones, for me, it's a month of confrontation. Knowing that especially this month, I feel lonely."

"I try to go to the mosque as often as possible during Ramadan because in the house of Allah, I don't feel lonely. I try to follow as many lectures as I can and join iftars in those mosques as well. Unfortunately, with the current COVID-19 regulations in The Netherlands, this has been quite hard to do."

Credit: Eva Sonnia

"This Ramadan, my biggest challenge is being alone. I try to have sabr and go to the mosque. Nothing more to do," she said. "However, since Eid is not a national holiday in The Netherlands, I will try to find other reverts and spend the day together. Otherwise, we would all be alone."

Credit: Eva Sonnia

If travelling to The Netherlands is part of your bucket list, Eva Sonnia has a few recommendations to share! For must-see spots in The Hague, the city where she lives in, she mentions the beach (Scheveningen) as well as the Inner Court and the Hall of Knights (Het Binnenhof). For must-try food, go for Dutch mini pancakes (poffertjes) as well as herring (harring) which is best enjoyed raw with onions. "If you're looking for a hidden gem in The Hague, there is a mosque in the city center which used to be a synagogue and it's beautifully redecorated!"

Share your Ramadan Around The World stories

The diversity of the ummah truly exemplifies the beauty of Islam, and it's great to read stories from the community! If you want to share how Ramadan is celebrated in your country, fill in the form below and stand a chance to be featured!

P.S. If you can't view the form above, you can submit your story in this form!