Ramadan 2008

[*Maureen* 0]

i spent some time in jordan during ramadan and out of respect i didnt want to eat or drink in front of his family but every time we visited i was always greeted with something to drink and eat, i felt awkward cuz i didnt want to do this in front of them while they all were fasting.

[Staashi 371]

wow.... this is great brother's and sisters!! Ok my first as a muslimah do I send gifts to my husband's family for Eiid?

it wd be really nice if u do...the prophet 3alayhi as-salatu was-salam encourages giving presents.

cool give me another reason to shop.. .lol

Rajaa - can you believe I was thinking about this last night - hehe...I think it would be nice to send some gifts representative of Washington state like those delicious dried apples, maybe some nuts, some homegrown chocolate...something that represents your state. I know many people might say that you should send things that you know they'll enjoy, but I also think it is nice when you send something from your area.

I love celebrations...and honestly, I'm so ready for the holidays to be here...I just enjoy being with family and friends.

[polarbear 0]

Last year I converted two days before Ramadan and my husband didn't know yet. It was my first Ramadan and I was alone.

It was actually very special to me as a time I could concentrate on myself and Allah... I was lucky that there was Iftar every day at my mosque (even if it was a 45 min drive ) and I had people to share it with. I was there about 3 times a week. I made sure to learn 1 new thing every day and stayed for the recitations.

This year I'm a little scared of loosing sight of what Ramadan is all about - I think it will actually be harder with my husband here. He will expect more and I don't know if I will be able to handle the lack of sleep my schedule was very different last year. This year I will be wanting to sleep as soon as I break fast - I don't like waking up before 5am on little to no sleep

On top of everything else, I've been told by my Imam that even if your sick you should make every effort to fast. I was told even diabetics or people with chronic diseases are expected to fast and make arrangements with their doctors about what to do if there are complications.... anyone else think this is a bit extreem?

On the happy side, I can read arabic now (although I don't always understand it ) and plan to recite the quran this year as well as read the english translation first - have to know what I'm reciting I'm kinda hoping my husband will help me with this and it's something special we can do together.

He's home now so I think I will bring it up this weekend

[Martiniolive 0]

Ramadan is just around the corner ... this question has been asked before but with the newer people and more SOs in the US now ... I believe should be asked again: What are you doing for Ramadan this year? Same as usual? Or something special?

Believe me....I need Ramadan this year....the timing is perfect!.....

[nunyab 0]

wow.... this is great brother's and sisters!! Ok my first as a muslimah do I send gifts to my husband's family for Eiid?

You could but you donnot need to. They mostly give gifts to children. Some men give gifts to their mothers, sisters and wives ... but not all!

Before Eid, we buy the children a new nice outfit (and some other clothes too) which they wear on the Eid day. I know we give gifts to our children, plus have little gift bags filled with cute pencils, gum and candy for children who stop by during Eid (since on the day of families usually visit each other) Some other relatives give small coins.

Usually the gift in NA that is given between families and friends are the the gateaux (cakes) ... Days or nights before Eid women sit up preparing these cakes ... only to give them away on Eid day. Kinda like "who can make the best one" type of deal here!

But with that said ... nothing stopping you from making your own traditions!

Rajaa in Morocco they make Harirra for Ramadan while in Algeria they make Chourba hamra ... in the ME they have their own versions too!

Recipe for Harirra is in Sultan's Kitchen or just googled it!

That's the name of it!!!! thank you

[anxious 0]

I look forward to Ramadan this year. Last year I was a pregnosaurus and could

not participate fully like I wanted. On the upside it was special because Nasim was

born during Ramadan....we even considered naming him Ramadan.

[Nutty 2]

When is Ramadan?

[Martiniolive 0]

When is Ramadan?

I believe Sept 1 this year

[polarbear 0]

I am undecided on whether or not I should get a quran with english and arabic on the same page.

I love the english translation I have now because it has footnotes on historical context and why certain words are translated the way they are and the other possible word choices that are often used.

I want to read the english translation and then recite the quran in arabic during ramadan. I'm thinking a translation with the arabic on the side would be better for this, but I could always use my husband's quran for the recitation. It would just be harder to reference the translation to understand what I'm saying (although I have a decent idea since my arabic is improving quickly)

Any thoughts?

[polarbear 0]

When is Ramadan?

I believe Sept 1 this year

If you go based on the sighting of the moon, it starts 1 day later in North America.

That's why it's always debated every year - in the ME they will be able to see the moon on Sept. 1 but it's not scientifically possible in North America until a day later. You have people who have to see it themselves and could start even 2 days later and then the other side of the spectrum people who want to fast the same dates as their family in the ME total mess....

I prefer to follow the scientific route, makes sense - same reason we have time zones - things are slightly different on different sides of the globe.

[NicEgypt 0]

We well wait tell goverments look at the MOON ( HELAL ) ... enyways maybe ramadan first day's of sept. im exited

[Henia 11]

Mach'Allah another site for Ramadan related to children. Includes time management and preparation tips! http://tjramadan.talibiddeenjr.amanahwebs.com/index.html

[S and S 12]

I personally go with the Islamic Society for North America as they are the biggest authority for this continent. They are saying Ramadan will be September 1st. Here is the website: http://www.isna.net/

[nunyab 0]

So I told my husband that I am going to look on line for Hirara soup and learn to cook it... his reply lol,

"baby i will not be getting that this year (he is alone in Spain w/o family) but next year you can cook All Ramadan and I'll be happy"...

my reply???? only if I am not working will that happen sweety. As lonesome of the idea is to be alone on Ramadan it also will give me an idea of what to be prepared for.

I am not sure if it's silly but i am starting to get myself ready by smaller meals now during the middle of the day.

Any other foods that is good for breaking fast??? Hirira and.......

Also, yes my in laws love appletts and cottlets from washington state i'am indeed going to send some this year.

Rajaa

[merijan 0]

So I told my husband that I am going to look on line for Hirara soup and learn to cook it... his reply lol,

"baby i will not be getting that this year (he is alone in Spain w/o family) but next year you can cook All Ramadan and I'll be happy"...

my reply???? only if I am not working will that happen sweety. As lonesome of the idea is to be alone on Ramadan it also will give me an idea of what to be prepared for.

I am not sure if it's silly but i am starting to get myself ready by smaller meals now during the middle of the day.

Any other foods that is good for breaking fast??? Hirira and.......

Also, yes my in laws love appletts and cottlets from washington state i'am indeed going to send some this year.

Rajaa

One popular thing with Arabs and Paki's is samboosa or samoosa .