Israeli Dates Flood France in Ramadan

By Hadi Yahmid, IOL Correspondent


PARIS — French Muslims have launched a campaign to boycott Israeli dates that poured into the markets ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which starts Sunday, September 24, in the European country.

"The Union of Muslim Associations has urged French Muslims to boycott Israeli dates flooding the French market during Ramadan," Hasan Farsado, the UMA leader in the Seine-Saint-Denis district, told IslamOnline.net Saturday, September 23.

The dates, nicknamed as the "dates of Jordan River," could be seen in abundance across predominantly Muslim French districts.

"Islamic organizations have called on residents to make sure of the country of origin before buying the dates," Farsado said.

French Muslims, estimated at some six millions, are set to start fasting on Sunday, September 24.

Muslims are used to breaking their fast with dates, following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Muslim adults - excepting the sick, infirm and those on a journey - are required to abstain from food, water and sexual relations during daylight hours throughout Ramadan.

Symbol

Ramadan is seen by the second and third generations of French Muslims as a poignant symbol of their Islamic identity.

A poll by LaFe magazine showed that the majority of Muslims, particularly of the second and third generations, is committed to following the Islamic traditions during Ramadan.

Some 88% of French Muslims said they are keen on fasting Ramadan, according to the poll.

Nearly 43% of the respondents also said they were practicing Muslims, while four percent said they were keen on performing hajj.

Some 20% of those surveyed also said they are used to reciting the Noble Qur'an to recite some verses of the Noble Qur'an for at least once a week.

Source