Ramadan

We are about to enter the month of Ramadan, where Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. The root of the word Ramadan, ramida, means scorching heat and dryness, which is definitely what the weather is like this time of year. Adult Muslims are required to fast this month. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with belief in one God, prayer 5 times a day, giving to the poor, and a pilgrimage to Mecca in one's lifetime. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which is supposed to bring one closer to Allah. While fasting, Muslims will pray more frequently and recite the Quran.

It is a very fascinating part of the culture here, and one that we hope to understand better, since last year we arrived only weeks before Ramadan began. It is a slow time of year for non-Muslims, which we really enjoy. It is illegal to eat or drink in public, so that makes being out for long a little difficult in the heat. The only thing open during the day is grocery stores, and everything comes to life late at night and into the pre-dawn morning hours. Maybe this year we will get to experience an iftar, which is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast at sunset. To our Muslim friends, Happy Ramadan!