Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan Kareem everyone!

This is a particularly special Ramadan for me because it is my first in Oman. And whilst I have some reservations about how I will cope with the unfamiliar heat while fasting, I am looking forward to it. The idea of observing Ramadan along with my (Omani) family, and even the whole country, is a great feeling and I'm keen to see all of the Ramadan conventions that for those who have lived here a long time are just routine. For example, I was pleased to learn that restaurants and many shops comply with fasting hours by closing during the day so that even those not observing Ramadan will give it some thought.

In my experience non-Muslims have often expressed their aversion to the idea of fasting for a whole month. But what they are not grasping is the fact that Ramadan represents so much more than just not eating. It is a time for spiritual reflection, attentiveness to faith and charity, and for paying tribute to Allah's grace, from which we have so much, though it doesn't have to be so. Of course it would be ideal to apply this all year round but I'm certain that for most people, life just becomes overwhelming. This is the purpose of this special month.

I hope this Ramadan is peaceful, productive, and painless for everyone!

6 comments:

  1. Ramadan Mubarak dear :)

    Do update us on your observations throughout the month.

    Peace x

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  2. Ramadan Kareem! Hope this is a peaceful month for you!

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  3. A birdie mashaAllah a sweet one at that told me u might be coming to Salalah ?? mmm jst when im off on a lil holiday to bahrain to see my family.. i hope inshaAllah we meet soon.
    Ramadhan kareem. Hope ur month is blessed and full of ease and good health. hiyyach sis. xx

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  4. Ramadan Kareem to you and your family :) hope you enjoy your first Ramadan in Oman. How are you coping with the heat? I keep getting a headache by around 2pm each day after working on the computer all morning with no food or water. Really makes you think how others suffer when they don't have iftar to look forward to :( but I guess that is the point of Ramadan! x

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