Ramadan: Back from USA to UAE
Last Ramadan, I spent it in the States with friends where I came to appreciate the family gatherings. Bein a Muslim in a western country takes away the feeling and enjoyment of any Islamic/Arabic celebration as those focus on families, relatives and friends.
And here I am part of my family enjoying Ramadan, which for some reason has lost its usual religious/social atmosphere. Being part of a city like Dubai in which 70-80% are expats, the only feel of this month is felt when the streets go to sleep at 6 pm up to late that day. But when you ask residents about Ramadan, alot say that they feel like being at home, which mainly means "night joy" of sheesha, dancers, singers, etc. Alot relate Ramadan to only fasting and a bit of prayers and night outgoings!! So what I really hate about this month, is how ppl view its importance. Eventhough many understand that it is only one month a year where our deeds are doubled and its with it the day where the whole year is based upon our own actions, but unfortunately they ignore those facts and spend most of their time in excessive social gatherings.
Yet, the month always bring a smile to me as I see alot of my foreign friends try to fast few days if not the whole month. Sharing their experience is what really counts as they get to understand the reasons behind fasting which exceeds abstaining from food and water. I just wish that they keep in mind, actions of Muslims don't always tell about the Religion as some act wrongly...
As we are in the middle of this month, I wish I get to change few bad habits within me such as laziness which I get from at times having a boring empty schedule. Also I want to learn more about different existing belief systems and religions as almost all have the same basics.
Hoping to have an Iftar gathering for AIESEC soon:D
And here I am part of my family enjoying Ramadan, which for some reason has lost its usual religious/social atmosphere. Being part of a city like Dubai in which 70-80% are expats, the only feel of this month is felt when the streets go to sleep at 6 pm up to late that day. But when you ask residents about Ramadan, alot say that they feel like being at home, which mainly means "night joy" of sheesha, dancers, singers, etc. Alot relate Ramadan to only fasting and a bit of prayers and night outgoings!! So what I really hate about this month, is how ppl view its importance. Eventhough many understand that it is only one month a year where our deeds are doubled and its with it the day where the whole year is based upon our own actions, but unfortunately they ignore those facts and spend most of their time in excessive social gatherings.
Yet, the month always bring a smile to me as I see alot of my foreign friends try to fast few days if not the whole month. Sharing their experience is what really counts as they get to understand the reasons behind fasting which exceeds abstaining from food and water. I just wish that they keep in mind, actions of Muslims don't always tell about the Religion as some act wrongly...
As we are in the middle of this month, I wish I get to change few bad habits within me such as laziness which I get from at times having a boring empty schedule. Also I want to learn more about different existing belief systems and religions as almost all have the same basics.
Hoping to have an Iftar gathering for AIESEC soon:D
3 Comments:
on fasting for non-muslims, i've always wondered... what sort of impact does ramadan have on your health?
I know that it hepls getting rid of bad toxics and make your immune system stronger.
I tried to search and read this interesting paper which I wasn't aware of the good impacts of fasting. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/wcarroll.html
I tried finding good papers on harms of fasting but mostly found related to religions about fasting. If you found any let me know, would be interested in reading:D
I also couldn't find anything concrete. I have heard people (mostly Muslim) say that it is very healthy, for a short period of time. I have heard others say that it messes with your glucose levels and could cause eating problems.
To me the act of abstaining and rewarding yourself will always win the arguement.
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