"A morsel of bread given from the heart can feed a thousand" (Popular saying)

Bread does not have the ritual significance in Islam that it has in Judaism and Christianity. In everyday life, however, it has acquired a sacred status, and is referred to as "God's blessing" or "God's book" (a term normally reserved for the Koran). This special status does not manifest itself in the shape of the loaf, but rather in the way bread in general is treated: it is never thrown away, and, if a piece should fall to the ground, the finder will raise it to his forehead, kiss it, say "in God's name," and place it high up out of harm's way.
In Muslim tradition bread plays an important role in almsgiving and hospitality, and it is also used in folk medicine. It is sometimes placed under the pillow of a sick person, or may be passed over the patient's body while pleas for relief and Koranic verses are recited. Few breads are traditionally linked to specific religious festivals, though in recent years a larger variety of special breads for Ramadan is to be found in the markets, including even the Jewish hallah.

Ramadan bread (mafrud and hamamat), Jerusalem, 2006
Photo: Yahalom Boveta