Ramadan is coming to town...
It was September of 2006 when I first stepped foot on a foreign land where most of my information came from either watching Discovery Channel or reading my history books. I don't know what to expect, I was alone for a couple of weeks, the longest 2 weeks of my life though.
A good friend sheltered me in Abu Dhabi and I was fortunate to have a friend who offered his very fabulous penthouse in NBAD building at Old Airport Road.
The sun was super hot and I was amazed with these bunch of pointed nose driving the yellow cab at that time, holding hands like lovers and smelling like hell, very proud of wearing their national costume (white camiso knee length shirt and white pants)
I would say that I am a well-rounded person, I can cope and adhere easily to a new environment, that's why when I stayed in A.D and DXB, a couple of weeks later, I speak like them and talk like them, leaving my proper English on my suitcase.
And for the first time I experienced the Holy month of sacrifice. Store closed, most of the day and opens split shift, no eating and drinking in public places and no sex, imagine? Kidding aside.
People are quite uneasy during day time and too lively on night time.
It was a great experience, eating inside the loo because it's prohibited to eat publicly. It was 3 years now and I can still smell the toilet odor when we ate our Burger King Meal inside, passing ketchup and mayo discreetly underneath the toilet stall so not to see by the cleaners. It was fun!
And now it will be my 4th Ramadan in UAE. I tried fasting but didn't last long.
Salute to our Muslim brothers and sisters...
Ramadan 2009
Islamic Events 2009*
- Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) December 29, 2008
- Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) July 19, 2009
- Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) August 05, 2009
- 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) August 22, 2009
- Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) September 16, 2009
- Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) September 20, 2009
- Eid-Al-Adha: November 27, 2009
Here's a few information about The Holy Month Of Ramadan...
Muslims around the world anticipate the arrival of the holiest month of the year. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims from all continents unite in a period of fasting and spiritual reflection.
Each year, Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community-wide fast. The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Qu'ran
The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.
- Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
- Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
- Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."
- Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
- Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
- Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.
Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan. May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.
Courtesy of AllAbout
