Andorra Islamic Leader: Ramadan Promotes Coexistence, Not Imposition

Salih Salhi, president of Andorra's Centre Cultural Islàmic, has emphasised that Ramadan represents a period of coexistence rather than imposition, countering common stereotypes as the holy month began on Wednesday, February 18.

Salhi addressed perceptions linking the fast to excess, rigidity, or social disruption, insisting it aligns seamlessly with daily work and life in the Principat. "Ramadan is not a month of excesses, nor an imposed practice, nor an obstacle to coexistence," he stated, framing it as a matter of personal responsibility.

One of Islam's five pillars—alongside the profession of faith, five daily prayers, almsgiving, and pilgrimage to Mecca for those able—Ramadan requires abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. Eating and normal activities resume at night, Salhi explained, with divine forgiveness as the promised reward.

The practice includes built-in flexibility: exemptions apply for the ill, those in physically demanding jobs, or travellers, who can make up missed days later. The Islamic lunar calendar, 11 days shorter than the Gregorian one, shifts Ramadan annually, making summer observance tougher for outdoor workers, though Islam remains accommodating.

Challenging myths of lavish iftar meals, Salhi noted that breaking the fast needs only dates, soup, or coffee followed by a regular dinner—no extravagance required. Preparation begins in the preceding month of Sha'ban with partial fasting to ease the body into it.

No issues have arisen in Andorra so far, he reported. Workers take brief pauses to eat, resuming duties normally; schools and residences have respected the practice. The centre has adjusted night prayers to 9pm, lasting 40-45 minutes, to suit employed members. Special emphasis falls on the 27th night of the final 10 days, marking the Qur'an's first revelation, followed by a communal dinner.

Salhi stressed that Islam comprises "5% worship and 95% behaviour," prioritising respect for neighbours, honesty, and equality regardless of faith, origin, or race. "Islam is a perfect religion; I am Muslim, but not perfect. Judge me for my mistakes, not the faith," he said.

The centre welcomes visitors to learn more and plans to resume open classes in Islamic culture and Arabic once a larger space is secured.