Ramadan Mubarek

The Holy Month of Ramadan starts tomorrow (Sept 1). There is a special committee in Saudi Arabia that watches for the crescent of the old moon. When this is sighted, then Ramadan follows on the next day. So, the crescent moon has been sighted. The new moon will be tonight and tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan.

Muslims view Ramadan as a special time of religious celebration. It is a time for families, giving thanks, and appreciating the life and opportunities you have been given. Traditionally this is a huge time for families. Each evening, as they break their fast, the families gather for large meals, gatherings and celebrations until the early hours of the morning. The day gets turned around for many (who don't have to work) - people will stay up until 2, 3 or 4 - then go to sleep. Even the children are up.

The fasting is observed from the time of sunrise to sunset. I've been asking a few friends in the office - what do you do if you live in Sweden or somewhere that there's either no sunset or just an hour or two? I've had some interesting responses. Some will tell me that the Muslims in these areas need to observe the fast no matter how many hours (which would kill you if you didn't get to drink water for 29 days). Others will say that they need to move to a different city for the month of Ramadan and then observe the fast in that city - hmmm, doesn't sound too practical. Others will say that they should observe the timings of Mekkah. Actually, there's probably no single answer. I'm sure that different families will do different things if they are living in an area that far north.

This will be our second Ramadan. Last year, it was interesting to speak to Lyra about respecting someone else's beliefs (by not eating or drinking in public) even if you don't believe it yourself. I was reminding her that Ramadan would be starting and seeing what she remembered. She was telling me that - but it's ok for children to eat and drink (and she's right). She was told this by a little friend at the pool. So, she was trying to understand why Russell and I wouldn't fast. "Well, we don't have the same beliefs," I told her. "Why not?" "We just don't." --Hmm, not too profound, I know. I'm sure it will come up again - so, I'll be thinking about what to say the next time.