Ramadan in the US
In the US while Ramadan is more difficult and some say doesn't feel as significant, I am finding some very rewarding experiences.
#1 I am interemployed (waiting on the next move, though have something in line). This means I have all the time in the world to focus, be good, and do everything at my own pace.
#2 Minorities do stick together. There are community Iftars at most Islamic centers, and I have been to two Universities recently where the Muslim student group on campus had a communal Iftar and invited anyone to join (counter the Minorities stick together argument :)). I am still waiting to join a family, although I doubt the family structe in the US (even for Muslims) is the same as in the Arab world and this might be a stretch to expect.
#3 A small community builds around you. In San Jose I went to the same Islamic center, same group of people for each and every Iftar (and the following prayers). After awhile I really felt with an important part of a small community. In San Diego I am now starting to gather with a group of 20 something students for each Iftar. The fact of being away from the full feeling of Ramadan, but having people around who all want to compensate for that, automatically creates something special that I wouldn't even have if I were back in an Arab country.
#4 A real Challenge. It isn't easy to not eat, drink, be bad, etc. when almost everyone around you is doing exactly that. There aren't different working hours to accomodate Ramadan, nor are there people around you who understand what you are going through and take that into consideration when demanding things of you. Above all, if someone is acting out of line I can't look to them and say, "Hey, its Ramadan, take it easy." It is an even stronger testimate to your will power to succeed in such an environment.
How does everyone else find their own current environment for this Ramadan?
#1 I am interemployed (waiting on the next move, though have something in line). This means I have all the time in the world to focus, be good, and do everything at my own pace.
#2 Minorities do stick together. There are community Iftars at most Islamic centers, and I have been to two Universities recently where the Muslim student group on campus had a communal Iftar and invited anyone to join (counter the Minorities stick together argument :)). I am still waiting to join a family, although I doubt the family structe in the US (even for Muslims) is the same as in the Arab world and this might be a stretch to expect.
#3 A small community builds around you. In San Jose I went to the same Islamic center, same group of people for each and every Iftar (and the following prayers). After awhile I really felt with an important part of a small community. In San Diego I am now starting to gather with a group of 20 something students for each Iftar. The fact of being away from the full feeling of Ramadan, but having people around who all want to compensate for that, automatically creates something special that I wouldn't even have if I were back in an Arab country.
#4 A real Challenge. It isn't easy to not eat, drink, be bad, etc. when almost everyone around you is doing exactly that. There aren't different working hours to accomodate Ramadan, nor are there people around you who understand what you are going through and take that into consideration when demanding things of you. Above all, if someone is acting out of line I can't look to them and say, "Hey, its Ramadan, take it easy." It is an even stronger testimate to your will power to succeed in such an environment.
How does everyone else find their own current environment for this Ramadan?
2 Comments:
Mine is very heaven like except when cooking alot to send to friends and families!! alot of work!!
but with prayers, family gatherings esp ma cousin's house ... I very much love being home again :D
This is my first Ramadan and its taking time to get use to it, but my spirituality is stronger than ever. Well, I am not Muslim but I am studying the religion and considering conversion. I am Latina and it is going to be a huge shock to my family, but my rewards will be huge. I hope to teach them what I have learned about the most beautiful religion and the direct connection with Allah.
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