Kief Haalak?

Keif Haalak? (How are you?)

We are doing fine!

Life is a little different here, since the month of Ramadaan began a week ago. This month has been much anticipated by the locals. The name Ramadaan comes from the noun "ramad" which refers to "the reflected heat of stones resulting from the intense heat of the sun." The ninth month, which used to be called Natiq, fell during the summer, the time of extreme heat, this was the time the Muslims believe the revelation of the Qur'aan began, thus being named Ramadaan.

Since Muslims follow the lunar calendar, the month of Ramadaan will occur in all the seasons at least twice in each person's lifetime. The intense heat has little to do with what this holy month means to Muslims, instead it signifies a time of self restraint, reflection, physical and spiritual cleansing, closeness to their God by abstinence and by ridding themselves of any distractions. A month of fasting and abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, conjugal relations and all forms of vice from dawn until sunset.

There is feasting and communing from house to house while the fast is broken, during the evening through to the wee am hours. All are able to partake of their last meal until 3:00 am and then they are restricted to begin their fast once again in the remainder of the day while the sun is out.

I have asked myself often, if I would be able to do this and what it would be like for an entire month. Like the examples in the Bible, fasting was done while one was in earnest prayer for something or for someone. I believe the sentiment behind this form of purifying and sacrifice is profitable and can be beneficial to the spiritual man. There are too many examples of it throughout the Bible to completely disregard it.

So how has this month impacted our stay here? It has not been as bad as some have warned it would be. By law, those who are "abstaining" this month are allowed to get to work later and leave from 12:00- 1:00 pm., so that they may rest. This month is not a productive month for Exxon Mobil. Food establishments cannot open until "Iftaar" (the breaking of the fast) which begins at sunset, (around 5:45 pm) however, other stores are allowed to open in between times of prayer, and generally a few hours in the morning; although most stores are owned by Muslims and most stay closed until Iftaar.

Anyone who is not Muslim, and do not observe this month as "holy", is strongly encouraged to cover up and show no skin (or form) and adults are not to eat, drink, or chew gum in public as a show of respect to the locals. We understand there are "moral police" out and about the city, making sure that all are in compliance, the locals, as well as the foreigners (us expats). The pressure to observe and obey the Qur'aan and it's teachings is extremely heavy, by the Government and by fellow believing Muslims.

Here in the compound, we are not restricted at all. The restaurants in the compounds are not made to observe the laws and customs of the land, pertaining to Ramadaan. So staying in is an option we choose often, although we like getting out at Iftaar too! :-)

I hope you enjoyed this World Cultural lesson. I'm very interested in learning about the customs and traditions here. It helps me to understand and keep from getting frustrated at times.

Someone once said, "Understanding is a profound demonstration of love"...
I believe this to be true.

When I greet the locals, I have learned to say: "Assalam 'alaykum !" This means "Peace be unto you". I only hope they see that I mean it from the heart.

Until my next post...

Assalam 'alaykum