Thursday, September 13, 2007

Ramadan Kareem

Well today is the beginning of our second Ramadan in the Middle East.

So while this maybe the holiest month for Muslims what does it mean for us? Reduced work hours, no eating, drinking, smoking in public, wearing slightly more conservative clothes (obviously for work this is not an issue, but for women this means covering up a little more than usual), and really just letting everything slow down a little. Of course the roads just before Iftar will be a bit crazy and then once the fast is broken everything will come back to life. So on a superficial level there is only minor disruptions and a more relaxed attitude to getting things done.

But what is the holy month of Ramadan really about. For those that don’t know you can go and read about it on Wikipedia although if you do a Google search you will probably find far better sources of information. For me personally I think it is a good time to embrace charity and forgiveness, but even more importantly than that I believe it is a time for respect and appreciation of the Islamic culture and heritage of this beautiful region of the world and be thankful for the experience of being here.
If you are wondering about the translation of Ramadan Kareem, I was talking to my students yesterday and they really couldn’t pinpoint a direct translation, although there is the literal one. One of the guys suggested that it really means something along the lines of “may you be kind, generous and giving during this month and be rewarded from the highest level”; I thought that was a nice way of thinking about it all!

3 comments:

Asal said...

Michael is me Mehdi,

Thanks for your email. Don't you like to stay in MiddleEast for rest of you life.
Ryan was born last month. My first baby BOY. heeeeeeeeeeeeeey.
I will send you photo shortly.
Regards,
Mehdi

Michael & Kerry said...

Hi Medhi
Huge congratulations to both you and your wife!

No, not planning on staying here forever at all, but the peace and serenity of the place will no doubt always be close to our minds and hearts when we do finally leave.
All the best
M

Al said...

Hey there,

I have to say I found that post extremely touching. A beautiful, open and kind outlook to Ramadhan.

This is my first Ramadhan here as a Muslim, I'm really looking forward to it and I certainly can't wait for Eid.

Whatever your beliefs are with a good ope heart I think you'll always find the truth.

Thank you for the post.

Al