Living a fasted life is no more a difficult thing to most Muslims in the port city of Douala. Even the least pious Muslim acknowledges this fact and even nods his head in confirmation to how peaceful and joyous life would be if the character and conduct adopted during the fasting month were to be carried throughout life.
To most of them, the month is one in which quarrelsome neighbours make peace, they control what and how they speak, think twice before responding, share foodstuff, clothing and money. It is a month love is made visible through charitable gestures and devotion to Allah.
Muslims in Douala flock to Ramadan bazaars (small trade fairs and mobile caravan organised by the Regional delegation of Trade) across the city to celebrate the fasting month. To Idrissou Malam of the New Bell Mosque; these bazaars are one of the much-anticipated highlights of the holy month of Ramadan for Douala's Muslim majority. New clothes are being prepared to celebrate the Ramadan, which crowns the fast after 29 or 30 days.
During this period women employed in various occupations retire home much earlier than usual. A lady, Nafissatou P., explains that she closes her shop and retires home at 3pm to prepare meals for family and herself. After the 6:30-7pm prayer meeting in the Mosque, she and her family feast firstly on hot pap, fruits and salad. By 7:30-8pm only men get to prayer. When all the men in her household are back from the Mosque after prayer they all settle down for heavy meals.
Fadimatou Aladji, who has come of age as a faithful, says she joins other women for studies of the Qur'an between 9am and 12 noon every day. "Normally, we return to the Mosque every 1 -5am to praise or pray to Allah while interceding for ourselves, family and nations." This period which normally occupies the last 10 days of the fast marks the climax of prayers with more time and energy dedicated to Allah.
