Like Muslims in general, in Russia Muslims also welcome and run Ramadan with joy. They really appreciate the special month that comes only once a year. Some Muslim activities in Ramadan seen in some great mosques in Russia. In Moscow, the capital of Russia with more than 1 million Muslims, there are 4 large mosques. Namely Sabornaya Maskovskaya mosque and Moskovskaya Istoriceskaya Mechet which is the Mosque of History of Moscow. Then Memorialnaya Mechet Na Pokolonnie Gore and Mechet Yardam. There are some most popular drinks in Moscow during ramadan fasting. Especially, in bazar around mosques in Moscow.
In Ramadan, mosques are more crowded than the usual days. In addition to the increased activity of worship, the mosque also provides food for breaking the fast. Even in some mosques established “Shater Ramadan”. That is a big tent as a place to break the fast together. Shater Ramadan is managed by the Russian Mufti Council which is a clerical organization in Russia. Some mosques even have programs in Ramadan. See also Most Popular Foods in St. Petersburg During Ramadan
At Ramadan after dhuhur around 2 pm usually mufti guide to study together. This joint study lasted until adzan maghrib. While in the Memorialnaya Mosque there is discussion program about the study of Islam. There are also cultural performances from several Islamic countries as gathering place to cultivate Muslims in Russia.
Some increase in worship activities in Ramadan that makes jama’ah spilled. There are bazar that peddling Muslim fashion, perfume, and food, making the mosque grew vibrant. Muslims are mostly workers and students from countries such as Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Checnya and other Soviet countries, as well as countries such as the Middle East (Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Kuwait and others), Turkey, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others.
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Kvass
One of the many beverages provided at the great mosques of moscow is the kvass. Kvass has been a traditional drink in Russia since ancient times. Classic Kvass has a texture and acidity like an acidic juice. This drink contains moderate alcohol.
Kvass is made from fermented bread or rye, water, and herbs. There are also kvass that made from berries, beets, and other grains. Kvass is not only consumed as a drink. But also as a basic ingredient of summer soup like okroshka.
Welcoming the summer, almost all roadside there are these yellow-red kvass tanks. Kvass is famous for its freshness that have to relieve thirst all day. That’s why kvass is so popular when ramadan. Especially, this year ramadan in Moscow is summer. That is, the russian fasts more than 18 hours. See also Most Popular Drinks in St.Petersburg During Ramadan
For Muslims, the alcohol content in kvass is given little, so it is not intoxicating. With that path, kvass is worth consuming as halal drinking in Moscow. Even kvass is light enough to give to children. Instead kvass is healthier than soft drinks like juice with lots of sugar. Kvass is also an alternative to making use of stale bread.
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Kefir
Kefir is a fermented drink that can be made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk Can also be made from coconut water or coconut milk. Like yogurt, this drink contains lots of yeast and healthy bacteria. The size of the kefir curd is smoother than yogurt so kefir is easier to digest. In addition to yeast and good bacteria, kefir also contains several amino acids, complete proteins and many minerals.
Kefir comes from the Turkish language keif, which means delicious. There is also a suspect that he comes from the word kafur. Kafur is the name of a spring in heaven whose water is white, fragrant, and delicious. This word is contained in the Qur’an, namely Surah Al Insaan, verses 5-6.
One of the first researchers kefir, Vladimir Podvysotsky, concluded that the culture of kefir fermentation comes from the culture kumiss fermentation. Kumiss is fermented horse milk. Later the Russians have replaced horse milk. This Kumiss is replaced with grains into goat and cow milk. Read also Facts About Russian Vodka
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Samovar Tea
The tradition of drinking tea in Russia seems to be similar to that done in the community in Indonesia, which is to host warm tea when there are guests. But unique, Russian people do not use sugar to add flavor but use jam. As said to the founder of the tea-loving community, tea will be treated with jam.
The Samovar is includes a tea-drinking device. It looks like a dispenser, but it looks pretty typical of Russia. The way it is used is also unique. Just place a pot of hot water on it and pour tea from the tap. Usually they use black tea. After it has been poured in a cup, newly harvested jam. People in Russia are most likely to drink tea in the winter outdoors.
Although tea is usually enjoyed at the time of winter, there is no harm in enjoying tea for breaking the fast. Moscow Muslims usually enjoy this black tea from samovar. ]
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Gayo Coffee
Enjoying coffee when breaking the fast is a special feature for coffee lovers. For coffee lovers, gayo coffee is quite popular in Moscow. Gayo coffee actually comes from Aceh, Indonesia. A coffee producer introduced gayo coffee in Moscow and got a good response. Even because many enthusiasts, Gayo coffee is a typical souvenir of Moscow. Gayo coffee has several variations. among others arabica and coffee wine. If you want non-alcoholic coffee arabia coffee is of course the best choice. You may also read Facts of Muslim Women in Russia
That’s some of the most popular drinks in Moscow during ramadan. Russia is famous for its vodka. Muslims can’t consume it because contains alcohol. So any drink as long as it does not contain alcohol, it will become popular in Russian muslims. For Russian Muslims who come from other countries, they usually find out their country’s special food at a bazaar near the mosque. Food and beverages are the most popular are from Indonesia. So if you visit to Russia during ramadan, do not worry to miss Indonesian cuisine. Because many people sell Indonesian foods in Moscow. Read also History of Muslim Culture in Russia