Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Trump Endorses Byron Donalds for Florida Governorship Successor

February 20, 2025

USAID to Place Thousands on Leave Following Court Ruling on Trump Administration’s Plan

February 23, 2025

House Democrat Introduces Impeachment Articles Against President Trump

April 29, 2025

Trump Appoints Alice Marie Johnson as Pardon Advisor

February 20, 2025

Trump Expresses Anger Towards Putin

March 30, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Hurricane Melissa Strikes Jamaica with Severe Winds and Rain, Moves Toward Cuba
  • 5 Key Tips for Protecting Your Online Privacy on Social Media
  • Portland Statue Controversy Concludes with Reinstatement Decision
  • Lithuanian FM Urges EU to Strengthen Eastern Defense Amid Rising Tensions
  • Nvidia AI Chips Enter Full Production in Arizona
  • Severe Flooding Strands Residents and Disrupts Life in Seven Provinces
  • U.S. Strikes Four Alleged Drug Boats in Pacific, Killing 14 and Leaving One Survivor
  • Amazon to Cut 14,000 Jobs Amid AI Integration Efforts
  • Bob Mackie Reflects on Iconic Career Designing for Legends Like Tina Turner and Cher
  • Louisiana Residents Concerned About Rising Energy Costs and Meta AI Data Center Construction
  • Netanyahu Commands Intensified Gaza Strikes After Ceasefire Breach
  • Trump Dismisses Oversight Board for D.C. Construction Amid Plans for White House Changes
  • European Stocks Decline Despite FTSE 100 Reaching Record High
  • Stocks to Watch: After-Hours Movers Include Visa, Seagate, Caesars, and Mondelez
  • Activist Investor Targets Underperforming U.S. Banks
  • Transgender Rabbi with Iranian Allegations Supports NYC Mayoral Candidate
  • Florida Breaks Execution Record with 15th Inmate this Year
  • Hurricane Melissa poses severe flood and landslide risk to Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba
  • Tesla Reinstitutes Mad Max Mode in Full Self-Driving Update
  • Putin Appoints Family Members to Key Positions Amid Kremlin Instability Concerns
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Wednesday, October 29
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Europe News » Damascus Celebrates First Ramadan in Decades Without Assad Family Rule
Damascus Celebrates First Ramadan in Decades Without Assad Family Rule

Damascus Celebrates First Ramadan in Decades Without Assad Family Rule

News EditorBy News EditorMarch 1, 2025 Europe News 5 Mins Read

This year, the onset of Ramadan marks a significant cultural shift in Syria as citizens experience their first holy month devoid of the al-Assad family’s influence in over five decades. Following a dramatic revolt led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power in December, paving the way for a different atmosphere during this sacred period. Observant Muslims in Syria have begun the month of fasting for prayer and reflection, although new rules governing public behavior during Ramadan have been introduced by the interim government.

Article Subheadings
1) A New Era Begins in Syrian Ramadan Observance
2) The Impact of Al-Assad’s Fall on Ramadan Traditions
3) Government Restrictions and New Regulations
4) Voices from the Capital: Residents’ Perspectives
5) The Road Ahead: Concerns and Hope

A New Era Begins in Syrian Ramadan Observance

The month of Ramadan, which is revered by Muslims worldwide for its spiritual significance, takes on a profoundly different tone in Syria this year. No longer under the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who governed with an iron fist, many are hoping this Ramadan can restore some of the traditional practices that had been suppressed for decades. The al-Assad family’s rule had seen a dilution of the holy month’s essence, with an open flouting of fasting and prayer rituals. Instead, now Syrians find themselves in a unique situation where the absence of such governance opens doors to personal and communal expressions of faith.

The Impact of Al-Assad’s Fall on Ramadan Traditions

The fall of the al-Assad regime brought about an unexpected transformation in the public observance of Ramadan. It used to be common for businesses to remain open during daylight hours throughout the holy month, which dampened the spirit of fasting for many observant Muslims. As Bashar al-Assad’s government was toppled in early December, the liberation that followed has invigorated a new cultural environment that encourages fasting and communal prayer. The public narrative has shifted; many are feeling a sense of joyous rebirth in the timing with Ramadan, marking both a religious and a political victory.

Government Restrictions and New Regulations

In reflection of this new temporal context, Syria’s interim Ministry of Religious Endowments has instituted restrictions designed to promote an accurate observance of Ramadan. Reports indicate that officials have ordered the closure of restaurants, coffee shops, and food stands during daytime hours. Failure to comply with these measures can lead to severe penalties, including hefty financial fines and incarceration up to three months. The government has emphasized that public displays of eating or drinking are prohibited during Ramadan, marking a significant cultural shift from previous years.

Voices from the Capital: Residents’ Perspectives

In the capital, Damascus, residents have expressed varied perspectives regarding these new regulations. Munir Abdallah, a local resident, stated,

“This year, after the fall of the regime, there are many confirmations regarding the prohibition of publicly breaking the fast, with violators facing imprisonment.”

Many locals resonate with Abdallah’s sentiments, feeling that these new regulations allow them to more authentically engage with Ramadan rituals. Another resident, Mohammad Kousa, shared,

“You couldn’t really tell it was Ramadan before. But now, it’s obvious. Restaurants are closed, and people aren’t openly breaking their fast.”

Such reflections illustrate a renewed commitment to traditional Ramadan observance among the populace.

The Road Ahead: Concerns and Hope

Despite the newfound sense of liberation, there are lingering concerns about the potential radicalization of Syria under the interim leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former HTS leader. Residents worry that the same strict rules that promote Ramadan observance may ultimately lead to more generalized enforcement of Islamic governance. Statements from al-Sharaa have purportedly reassured both local and international spectators that he will maintain respect for Syria’s diverse religions and sects. He assures operational freedoms but questions remain about how public adherence to Ramadan and broader religious observance will be interpreted in the future. As Ramadan unfolds, the evolving landscape of public and political life in Syria remains to be seen.

No. Key Points
1 This Ramadan marks the first holiday without the al-Assad family’s rule in over fifty years.
2 The fall of Bashar al-Assad led to a transformative cultural environment for Ramadan.
3 New government restrictions on public eating and drinking during Ramadan have been implemented.
4 Residents express hope for a re-embodied spirituality during Ramadan, yet convey concerns about potential governance practices.
5 Voices from the capital reveal a desire for tradition amidst fears of religious radicalization under interim leadership.

Summary

The current Ramadan in Syria signifies a unique turning point, characterized by the absence of the al-Assad family’s oppressive governance. Citizens are experiencing a revival of traditional customs and rituals, which they hope will be respected and upheld. The new regulations are meant to restore the holy month’s sanctity, but they come with concerns over potential future governance. As the atmosphere evolves, the populace continues to navigate a delicate balance between freedom of expression and the risk of radicalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How does Ramadan impact daily life for Muslims?

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which means they refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. This fast is seen as a form of worship and community solidarity.

Question: What are the traditions associated with Ramadan?

Common traditions include daily prayers, reading the Quran, and sharing meals with family and friends both during the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and the evening meal (iftar).

Question: Is public eating allowed during Ramadan in Syria?

Under new regulations from the interim government, public eating and drinking during daylight hours is prohibited, with penalties in place for violations.

Assad Brexit Celebrates Continental Affairs Cultural Developments Damascus Decades Economic Integration Energy Crisis Environmental Policies EU Policies European Leaders European Markets European Politics European Union Eurozone Economy family Infrastructure Projects International Relations Migration Issues Ramadan Regional Cooperation Regional Security rule Social Reforms Technology in Europe Trade Agreements
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Europe News

Lithuanian FM Urges EU to Strengthen Eastern Defense Amid Rising Tensions

6 Mins Read
Europe News

European Stocks Decline Despite FTSE 100 Reaching Record High

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Lithuania Plans Indefinite Closure of Belarus Border Crossings Following Balloon Incursions

4 Mins Read
Europe News

Rare Earth Stocks Surge Amid US-China Trade Negotiations

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Trump Stops in Qatar for Unscheduled Meeting with Emir Before Asia Trip

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Novartis and Avidity Biosciences Engage in Acquisition Talks

5 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Impact of Tariffs on U.S. Housing Market

March 4, 2025

Trump Administration Plans Auction of Long-Restricted Offshore Oil Leases Along U.S. Coastlines

October 24, 2025

China’s Potential Impact on the U.S. Housing Market

April 9, 2025

Tesla Cuts Model Y Standard Price Below $40,000

October 7, 2025

Secret Service Director Confident in Agency’s Ability to Address Trump Assassination Attempts

February 26, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version