Moroccan Nightlife Slows as Some Observe Pre-Ramadan Alcohol Fast

For some Moroccans, the fact of "stopping drinking alcohol forty days before Ramadan", in accordance with the hadiths, is a way of getting ready to receive all the blessings of the fasting of the holy month of Ramadan. This practice certainly has no legal or scientific basis, but it is well-rooted in the custom of Moroccans. Due to this decision to abstain from alcohol, nightclub promoters in several cities of the kingdom are forced to close their doors during the holy month.

However, this custom does not have unanimous support. Some believe that abstaining from alcohol consumption and frequenting bars forty days before Ramadan is pure hypocrisy. Moroccan jurists confirm that this custom is not dictated by Islam, the Quran, the Sunnah (tradition) of the prophet, or the words of the scholars, specifying that it is a popular practice that has become widespread over time.