Ramadan 2012

[msheesha 548]

Umm Squeakster usually starts a thread like this but she's all but disappeared! So, here's the Ramadan thread.

Anyone doing anything to prepare? Physically? Spiritually? Etc?

Has anyone spent Ramadan in a Muslim country?

[aayitrun 66]

Ive spent ramadan in muslim and multi-cultural settings.

I usually don't do much to prepare physically because my body doesnt care about meals being at odd times.

Spiritually, my selfish human nature makes me think up things that i would liked to be blessed with.

[NYYankees355 11]

Umm Squeakster usually starts a thread like this but she's all but disappeared! So, here's the Ramadan thread.

Anyone doing anything to prepare? Physically? Spiritually? Etc?

Has anyone spent Ramadan in a Muslim country?

I have spent many a summers in the middle east during the month of Ramadan. I am not a big fan of some of the customs but it was enjoyable at Eid and whatnot. People are easily irritated (from fasting) and not smoking or drinking water. especially due to the fact its extremely hot, well where i was, it was easy 120 degrees and we were required to wear long shirts and pants all day long. And all of the stores had really weird hours and were closed during the daytime. So pretty much every incovience you can think of. I even had muslim friends there and they would dread it when ramadan approached it. But the good news is we did get to work shorted shifts every day for work and the big eid holiday at the end. So hope you enjoy remember not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or show signs of affection in public. Have a good day!!

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Yes, we will be fasting. We both shift our schedules around a lot, depending on work, so not much organization on meals - we don't often make the "traditional" giant, elaborate iftar. However I am trying to psyche myself up for the challenge of the long, hot days. I spent part of Ramadan and also the Eid in Palestine once - it was quite amazing.

[msheesha 548]

I would love it if everything was switched around to accomodate Ramadan, which is why I asked about anyone spending time in a Muslim country during Ramadan. I would imagine there is a different feeling doing it along with the rest of the country, than when you're doing it amongst most others who are not experiencing Ramadan.

Anyone up for posting their most Ramadan/Islam related motivating, inspiring videos, audios, clips, articles, etc, etc, etc?

Edited July 3, 2012 by msheesha

[JohnR! 5,495]

Umm Squeakster usually starts a thread like this but she's all but disappeared! So, here's the Ramadan thread.

Anyone doing anything to prepare? Physically? Spiritually? Etc?

Has anyone spent Ramadan in a Muslim country?

I spent Ramadan in Qatar once, while working on a project for Qatar Airways. As a non-Muslim I was not required to fast but all the same, as they say, 'When in Rome...' so I tried and of course, I failed miserably. However, it helped me understand, sympathize and empathize with those who do observe fasting so we reworked our schedule completely to make best use of those hours when people were active and nourished. I need not say that that breaking the fast was the best part of the day and I have never eaten so much in my life. I was already a fan of Arabic cuisine and that was a feast for me. I was treated like king at the homes to which I was invited and certainly ate like one. It was a memorable experience and one I wish more people could share.

[msheesha 548]

I spent Ramadan in Qatar once, while working on a project for Qatar Airways. As a non-Muslim I was not required to fast but all the same, as they say, 'When in Rome...' so I tried and of course, I failed miserably. However, it helped me understand, sympathize and empathize with those who do observe fasting so we reworked our schedule completely to make best use of those hours when people were active and nourished. I need not say that that breaking the fast was the best part of the day and I have never eaten so much in my life. I was already a fan of Arabic cuisine and that was a feast for me. I was treated like king at the homes to which I was invited and certainly ate like one. It was a memorable experience and one I wish more people could share.

Thanks for sharing that. It's nice to hear a story about someone making the most out of experiencing Ramadan. And, my feeling is that you didn't fail miserably on the fasting - because you tried and did your best. Thanks again; I enjoyed reading about your experience.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

I would love it if everything was switched around to accomodate Ramadan, which is why I asked about anyone spending time in a Muslim country during Ramadan. I would imagine there is a different feeling doing it along with the rest of the country, than when you're doing it amongst most others who are not experiencing Ramadan.

Anyone up for posting their most Ramadan/Islam related motivating, inspiring videos, audios, clips, articles, etc, etc, etc?

In a lot of ways, the fast is much more difficult in the U.S. Sometimes it will occur during a time like Thanksgiving or Christmas, when everyone is shoving food at you. One time my co-workers had brought an incredible chocolate cake for my birthday (they didn't realize as I don't talk about it much - they are really so sweet, and I couldn't bear to make them feel bad or guilty or uncomfortable over it.) So... I cut the cake and served everyone a piece and held mine in my hand while chatting and no one even noticed I wasn't eating it. Then I said "oh look at the time - I'm on deadline..." and dashed off with my intact slice. I had to put it out of sight in my office, but I certainly enjoyed it very much later on....

[msheesha 548]

In a lot of ways, the fast is much more difficult in the U.S. Sometimes it will occur during a time like Thanksgiving or Christmas, when everyone is shoving food at you. One time my co-workers had brought an incredible chocolate cake for my birthday (they didn't realize as I don't talk about it much - they are really so sweet, and I couldn't bear to make them feel bad or guilty or uncomfortable over it.) So... I cut the cake and served everyone a piece and held mine in my hand while chatting and no one even noticed I wasn't eating it. Then I said "oh look at the time - I'm on deadline..." and dashed off with my intact slice. I had to put it out of sight in my office, but I certainly enjoyed it very much later on....

I had to go to a business lunch the first day of Ramadan one year. There were only four of us so it was very noticeable, but it was easy to get through - just ordered ginger ale and stirred the straw around, giving the impression I wasn't feeling well. It was the best way I could get around it with people who were not my every day work ppl. Usually people are aware where I work and nobody finds it unsual because I live in a large multi-cultural city. It's funny to me that every year, people, even in my family, who have experienced Ramadan with me for more than 15 years, are surprised that not even water is consumed during daylight hours. Every year there is the "Really, not even water?" conversation. It's always amusing to me because it's the same comment every year! It's as if it's so unbelievable to them, they block it out.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

I spent Ramadan in Qatar once, while working on a project for Qatar Airways. As a non-Muslim I was not required to fast but all the same, as they say, 'When in Rome...' so I tried and of course, I failed miserably. However, it helped me understand, sympathize and empathize with those who do observe fasting so we reworked our schedule completely to make best use of those hours when people were active and nourished. I need not say that that breaking the fast was the best part of the day and I have never eaten so much in my life. I was already a fan of Arabic cuisine and that was a feast for me. I was treated like king at the homes to which I was invited and certainly ate like one. It was a memorable experience and one I wish more people could share.

You are awesome !

[JohnR! 5,495]

Thanks for sharing that. It's nice to hear a story about someone making the most out of experiencing Ramadan. And, my feeling is that you didn't fail miserably on the fasting - because you tried and did your best. Thanks again; I enjoyed reading about your experience.

Anytime. It was a good experience and I still think of it every time Ramadan comes around...

[JohnR! 5,495]

You are awesome !

Thanks!

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

Ramadan, yay!

I love knowing that there are millions of other people doing the same exact thing at the same time, even the sometime Muslims, step up and fast for Ramadan.

What I usually do to prepare for Ramadan is eat less a few weeks before. I've been told to fast a couple days a week a few weeks before, but I haven't done that in a few years.

I know last was very difficult and this year with the sunrise at 5:30am and sunset at 9pm, it'll be another tough year. Personally, I think the weather is the hardest part of fasting for me. In Minneapolis, the temp lately has been in the 90-100's and the humidity is on overload. I don't mind the heat so much, but the moistness is icky.

Thankfully, I live and work in a very diverse place. So many people are familiar with Ramadan although if someone asks why I'm not eating, I tell them it's Ramadan which usually leads to the "not even water?" and the "why don't you cover?" conversation.

I think the best way to prepare would be fast if you can before, read Quran now (if you don't already) and most importantly pray (which I feel is the least I can do for God since I feel so blessed).

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

Ramadan, yay!

I

This was supposed to be a LOL

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

This was supposed to be a LOL