The Peace of Ramadan
Posted on Oct 21st, 2006
by 
Jamilah
Jamilah
The month of fasting is almost over. One more day.
The peace of Ramadan is different than anything I have ever experienced. It's not always quiet. It's not always relaxing. But the peace exists along with the hubub of everyday life and the special obligations of the month.
The fast begins with an early morning meal, before dawn. I used to get up to cook every day. This year my 22-year old did the cooking. Then there is no food, drink or marital intimacy (nonmarital intimacy is not allowed any time of the year!) until sunset.
That first sip of water at sunset is very special. It's followed by a meal. Some Muslims go all out during the month--buying more food and cooking more than they normally would. But that negates the meaning of the month, which is stop obsessing about food and think about higher matters, such as our souls and the needs of others.
I didn't fast this year because of some health problems. I hope to return to fasting next year. I've missed out on some of the special feeling of the month, but it is still very different.
Today I went Eid shopping. On Monday we will have one of our two annual festivals--Eid'l Fitr. I buy gifts, new clothes and special treats for my family.
On Eid day we're planning to attend the morning prayer, go out to eat and cap it all off with a trip to the Jelly Belly factory near here. (My oldest, who is here visiting, loves Jelly Bellies.) It will be my granddaughter's first Eid, and I'm so glad to have the chance to spend it with her.
According to news reports, Muslims become more violent during Ramadan. I don't know who their sources are, but that can't be true. Ramadan is a time of peace.
And frankly, after an entire day of fasting, who has the energy?
The peace of Ramadan is different than anything I have ever experienced. It's not always quiet. It's not always relaxing. But the peace exists along with the hubub of everyday life and the special obligations of the month.
The fast begins with an early morning meal, before dawn. I used to get up to cook every day. This year my 22-year old did the cooking. Then there is no food, drink or marital intimacy (nonmarital intimacy is not allowed any time of the year!) until sunset.
That first sip of water at sunset is very special. It's followed by a meal. Some Muslims go all out during the month--buying more food and cooking more than they normally would. But that negates the meaning of the month, which is stop obsessing about food and think about higher matters, such as our souls and the needs of others.
I didn't fast this year because of some health problems. I hope to return to fasting next year. I've missed out on some of the special feeling of the month, but it is still very different.
Today I went Eid shopping. On Monday we will have one of our two annual festivals--Eid'l Fitr. I buy gifts, new clothes and special treats for my family.
On Eid day we're planning to attend the morning prayer, go out to eat and cap it all off with a trip to the Jelly Belly factory near here. (My oldest, who is here visiting, loves Jelly Bellies.) It will be my granddaughter's first Eid, and I'm so glad to have the chance to spend it with her.
According to news reports, Muslims become more violent during Ramadan. I don't know who their sources are, but that can't be true. Ramadan is a time of peace.
And frankly, after an entire day of fasting, who has the energy?
Access: Public
QAR
August 2008 