As a random passerby reading responses to this writing prompt, having stumbled upon your response, THANK YOU. Most answers have been so immature and ignorant. Cheers!
Maybe it's very silly of me, but I never associate 9/11 with Ramadan... maybe because I actually realize the difference between "Muslim" and "terrorist," heh. So I was surprised at some of the responses until I remembered that other people don't really see Islam for what it is.
I agree that fasting is much better with other people, particularly family. I mean, it's a personal experience and all, but the support is nice. We LDS fast the first sunday of every month if we can (technically saturday dinner - sunday lunch), but for some reason my parents never really wanted to do the full fast and by the time I was really conscious of what an experience it could be, my oldest sister didn't fast at all. Not that I blame them -- like I said, it's a personal experience -- but it's been a bit frustrating for me sometimes too.
the thing that a lot of people aren't aware of, I think, is that the Islamic calendar goes by the moon, so it's constantly changing. last year, ramadan started in mid-september. the year before that, the end of september/early october. next year it will probably start mid-august
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That's a really good way to look at it. The church encourages two main reasons for our "fast sunday," and that's one, for those who participate. We give whatever we would have spent on those three meals and they use it to help people who need help. People here fast, but it's really not the same to fast with your roommates that you don't really know.. heh. I miss you too.
that's awesome.. I think that's a really good thing to do (donate to the poor). I could be mistaken but I believe that's one of the elements of ramadan too. I know that if you break your fast early for whatever reason, you're encouraged to donate a certain amount of money or food to the poor and make the day up later. I'm not 100% on if we're also supposed to donate as we fast. I clearly have a lot more learning to do!
it's definitely not the same, I know how you feel. plus your roommates don't sound like the most delightful of people =P
I, like many others it seems, clicked on your post. Whilst I have never partaken in Ramadan, I do know what it's like to be around others that are doing so. I lived in Saudi Arabia for a little while when I was growing up, so remember some of the kids at school having a special room they could go to if they were practising Ramadan.
It was really refreshing to read something that wasn't filled with hate or ignorance regarding this subject.
Also, on a side note, I miss the morning prayer calls. Wish I could go back to hear them.
I'm glad I'm not the only one particularly attached to the morning azan! I think it's the most beautiful.. I'm a little partial though, cause I think this imam (in the mosque next to my hostel) has one of the most perfect voices I've ever heard. I like the azan to be particularly flowery and warble-y and he apparently does too ;)
Living in Saudi Arabia must have been quite an experience! how lucky. if only more people were able to appreciate life in another culture.
thank you for your comment! I hope you have a lovely ramadan, even if you aren't fasting.
My villa in Saudi had a mosque right behind it. And thier imam sounded amazing. Just the passion in his voice was incredible, plus, he was fairly warbl-y as well. Never heard an imam quite like it since.
Saudi really was an experience. Best 3 years of my life. Wish I could go back there, but unfortunately not being Muslim or able to get a job out there means I can't yet. But I would most definately reccommend it to anyone, even if it is one of the more strict Muslim Countries.
Although, I went to Abu Dhabi (Another past home) this past April, the first time I had been back in a Muslim country in about 9 years and it was incredible. I found my love for Prayer Time again. Got to indulge in my favourite Arabic foods. And just immerse myself in the atmosphere.
exactly! that's definitely a good way to describe this man...passionate.
how long ago were you there? and what for!? I'm supremely jealous! I would like to go and see it someday, but I am afraid of the political/religious climate. I hesitate to go only because I disagree with the Wahhabi school of thought and would hate to be supporting that.
I have a lot of traveling to do before I die, it seems! I would love to explore the gulf countries.
*waves* Just another random internet stranger popping in to say thank you for posting this entry. :)
When I saw the Writer's Block question today I was happily taken back to the 2.5 months I traveled in Turkey (late 2005)...then I made the mistake of clicking to see how folks responded to the question and, of course, I was immediately disheartened.
I scrolled through enough of them to find your entry, though, and I'm happy I did. Your words brought me back to a country I miss terribly and made me smile while thinking of the call to prayer echoing off the buildings of the city, the drummers waking everyone before dawn, and the celebratory feeling during the evening when the tents were filled with everyone eating together. :)
Anyway, that was a long way to say: thank you for sharing. :)
Turkey is definitely one of those places that brings people back.. it just feels like home. what parts of turkey did you see? I hope someday to properly travel around the country, not just sit in the hostel and dream about it!
I'm glad you can identify with my experience =D I hope you get a chance to come back and see Turkey again!
thank you for your comment! I hope this month brings you many happy moments, whether you're fasting or not.
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I agree that fasting is much better with other people, particularly family. I mean, it's a personal experience and all, but the support is nice. We LDS fast the first sunday of every month if we can (technically saturday dinner - sunday lunch), but for some reason my parents never really wanted to do the full fast and by the time I was really conscious of what an experience it could be, my oldest sister didn't fast at all. Not that I blame them -- like I said, it's a personal experience -- but it's been a bit frustrating for me sometimes too.
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it's definitely not the same, I know how you feel. plus your roommates don't sound like the most delightful of people =P
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I, like many others it seems, clicked on your post. Whilst I have never partaken in Ramadan, I do know what it's like to be around others that are doing so. I lived in Saudi Arabia for a little while when I was growing up, so remember some of the kids at school having a special room they could go to if they were practising Ramadan.
It was really refreshing to read something that wasn't filled with hate or ignorance regarding this subject.
Also, on a side note, I miss the morning prayer calls. Wish I could go back to hear them.
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Living in Saudi Arabia must have been quite an experience! how lucky. if only more people were able to appreciate life in another culture.
thank you for your comment! I hope you have a lovely ramadan, even if you aren't fasting.
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Saudi really was an experience. Best 3 years of my life. Wish I could go back there, but unfortunately not being Muslim or able to get a job out there means I can't yet. But I would most definately reccommend it to anyone, even if it is one of the more strict Muslim Countries.
Although, I went to Abu Dhabi (Another past home) this past April, the first time I had been back in a Muslim country in about 9 years and it was incredible. I found my love for Prayer Time again. Got to indulge in my favourite Arabic foods. And just immerse myself in the atmosphere.
I hope you have a lovely Ramadan too :)
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how long ago were you there? and what for!? I'm supremely jealous!
I would like to go and see it someday, but I am afraid of the political/religious climate. I hesitate to go only because I disagree with the Wahhabi school of thought and would hate to be supporting that.
I have a lot of traveling to do before I die, it seems! I would love to explore the gulf countries.
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When I saw the Writer's Block question today I was happily taken back to the 2.5 months I traveled in Turkey (late 2005)...then I made the mistake of clicking to see how folks responded to the question and, of course, I was immediately disheartened.
I scrolled through enough of them to find your entry, though, and I'm happy I did. Your words brought me back to a country I miss terribly and made me smile while thinking of the call to prayer echoing off the buildings of the city, the drummers waking everyone before dawn, and the celebratory feeling during the evening when the tents were filled with everyone eating together. :)
Anyway, that was a long way to say: thank you for sharing. :)
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I'm glad you can identify with my experience =D I hope you get a chance to come back and see Turkey again!
thank you for your comment! I hope this month brings you many happy moments, whether you're fasting or not.
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