Ramadan
A lot of the joy of Ramadan comes from a month of purity, reconnecting with your religious beliefs and sharing time with your family and friends. As a result I haven’t been able to see too much of the details but here are some observations:
i) Food is scarce, as no outlet opens during daylight hours (no point) so I buy my lunches the night before and save them for the next day.
ii) Friends are tired: full respect to those that are fasting, it is sometimes hard to remember that they may not have eaten, and more importantly drunk water, in over 18 hours.
iii) Companies work less hours. People are less available and anything requiring a decision is postponed until after Ramadan.
iv) Music: several friends don’t play music in their cars during daylight hours, preferring instead to listen to radio broadcasts of the Qur’an. I actually quite enjoy this, and they often take the time to translate parts for me. The Qur’an plays 24 hours a day and some people often buy CDs of their favourite ‘readers’, in the same way that people purchase CDs of their favourite music artists.
v) All bars and alcohol vendors are closed: fair enough.
vi) Iftars, Ghabgahs and other food related events: for me this feels like the Christmas period. Companies hold gatherings for their staff, there is food aplenty, people are festive, very ‘company Christmas party’ feel, including prizes and games. Iftars are when the family break fast. I like the idea, the family coming together at the end of the day to celebrate and appreciate each others company. The strangest place I was invited to was: tent chilling in a shopping mall. A bank had set up a chillaxing zone complete with Persian rugs, cushions, tea, coffee and dates. Everyone was welcome to rest their feet and appreciate Arab hospitality at its finest, there was even a hooded falcon in the tent.
vii) No eating or drinking in public: it is illegal. Enforced by the police through being arrested and fined. Enough said.
i) Food is scarce, as no outlet opens during daylight hours (no point) so I buy my lunches the night before and save them for the next day.
ii) Friends are tired: full respect to those that are fasting, it is sometimes hard to remember that they may not have eaten, and more importantly drunk water, in over 18 hours.
iii) Companies work less hours. People are less available and anything requiring a decision is postponed until after Ramadan.
iv) Music: several friends don’t play music in their cars during daylight hours, preferring instead to listen to radio broadcasts of the Qur’an. I actually quite enjoy this, and they often take the time to translate parts for me. The Qur’an plays 24 hours a day and some people often buy CDs of their favourite ‘readers’, in the same way that people purchase CDs of their favourite music artists.
v) All bars and alcohol vendors are closed: fair enough.
vi) Iftars, Ghabgahs and other food related events: for me this feels like the Christmas period. Companies hold gatherings for their staff, there is food aplenty, people are festive, very ‘company Christmas party’ feel, including prizes and games. Iftars are when the family break fast. I like the idea, the family coming together at the end of the day to celebrate and appreciate each others company. The strangest place I was invited to was: tent chilling in a shopping mall. A bank had set up a chillaxing zone complete with Persian rugs, cushions, tea, coffee and dates. Everyone was welcome to rest their feet and appreciate Arab hospitality at its finest, there was even a hooded falcon in the tent.
vii) No eating or drinking in public: it is illegal. Enforced by the police through being arrested and fined. Enough said.
posted by Westy at 8:47 AM
5 Comments:
Hey John!
You'll understand why things are slow and decisions are postponed when everyone around you and yourself haven't eaten in the last 12 hours with the temperature being around 40 something degrees.
Ramadhan does slow things down but u have to remember how much healing & recharge this month brings. In this month which is also when the Quran was sent is all about appreciating what you have and cherishing life and family. It's also about giving and helping other people, and that's one of the ways to find harmony in urself, which from what I understand, you're seeking.
I suggest you try fasting a couple of days and see how u feel. Ofcourse no cheating! U will feel tired and lazy, but u'll see how peaceful u'll be afterwards
Ala
hmmm fasting... it is a tempting thought, maybe for just that one day. I can completely understand why everyone is super chilled, then we couild break fast by going on a manic tikka tour of Manama!
In a way its cool that society, across the board, gets its priorities right and appreciates such moments as these.
See you soon,
W
Hey John!
It's been a while... have been silently following your adventures - sounds like an awesome time you're having there!
Love how you appreciate the differences that you're experiencing and sharing them with us...
*hugs!*
dude! im listening to "night ripper" right now and its the bomb!
mixing "wait (the whisper song)" into "bittersweet symphony"... damn!
Word to that! I can't put that album down... there are so many moments... given 'heavy' hip hop is not normally my thing... this album is an art. I think track 5, Nirvana, Elton John, and rap is my favourite. or the second last track with Smashing pumpkins
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