Community Corner

Daily Fast is the Restaurant Speciality during Ramadan

Harzara Ullah, manager of Moti Mahal, serves delicious food until sunset while she fasts. It's a challenge that's worth it, she says.

This is the month of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic faith. Through Aug. 29, Muslims all over the world will not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset  For restaurant workers, it is an extra test of faith and willpower.

“We’re dedicated to humanity for one month,” Harzara Ullah said. “We want to make change in the world.”

Ullah, a Muslim, says fasting helps her remember those who have nothing to eat. “I want to feel what they feel,” she said. “We fast to challenge ourselves.”

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It is truly a test for Ullah. She works all day serving food and beverages at , an Indian restaurant in downtown Royal Oak. Her nephew, Joe Ullah, is the owner. He said the aroma of the food does not bother him throughout the afternoon, even though he will have nothing to eat or drink until nearly 9 p.m.

“We’re used to it,” he said. “We all have done this since we were little guys.”

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In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to refrain from all transgressions during Ramadan.

“We have chain smokers who work here that will not smoke all day — for 15 hours they will not touch a cigarette. Then at sunset they smoke," Joe Ullah said. "I know it sounds crazy, but it’s a mental thing.” They are able to do it, his aunt said, because “that’s how strong their belief is.”

The staff at Moti Mahal is a mix of Hindus and Muslims. While the Hindu employees do not have to fast, they do not eat in front of their co-workers out of respect.

On Saturday, the staff was busy tending to patrons enjoying genuine Indian cuisine. Dishes, such as Tindaloo Lamb or Chicken Tikka are prepared halal, in accordance with Islamic dietary rules. Joe Ullah said because there are few Muslims in the Royal Oak area it’s business as usual during the Islamic holiday.

“It’s harder to have a restaurant in Dearborn,” he said, where there is large number of Muslims. “There, they are cooking, cooking, cooking all day while they are fasting.” Then at sunset, when they can finally have a meal “all their customers will show up at once and they get too busy to eat.”


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