That Ramadan Thing

Posted under General Musings, On Religion by khaalidah

It seems that the need other people have to feed you, grows exponentially during Ramadan.  I find that I have to say several times a day, “No thanks, I’m fasting.”  The funny part is what happens when I say this.  The reaction is almost always some variation of, “Oh, I’m so sorry.  Are you okay?  But you can have water, right?”  Suddenly fasting becomes this horribly trying incurable affliction.  I always respond with a smile, “Yes, I am fine.”

 

It just goes to show, however, how incredibly backward thinking can be.  What am I talking about?  Had I said something like, “No thanks, I’m on a diet.  I’m trying to get into this really nice dress.”  No one would be apologizing.  No one would be giving me that poor silly religious fool look.  I’d be getting the high five, the thumbs up, the “you go girl!”

 

I found myself today trying to explain to a non-Muslim what it felt like to fast.  I tried to describe the serenity that comes with shedding the heaviness of food, and delving as deeply as one can into one’s spiritual self during this blessed month.  I could almost see my words rolling away and falling to the floor.  Evaporating.  She didn’t get it.

 

I don’t expect every non-Muslim to know that it is Ramadan, but surprisingly so many of them do know something.  They say things like, “Oh, is it that Ramadan thing?”  Yeah, it’s that “thing”.  But I suppose that I am wondering exactly what people of other faiths are willing to do for their faith, their God, their way of life? 

 

I wonder, how would it be to not have a Ramadan?  How would it be to not have a special time each year when I can stop everything and truly reflect, and where everyone else is reflecting too?  Congregational reflection.  Mass reflection.  Communal reflection.

 

How would it be to never have this special time when the shayteen are chained and helpless against you?  How would it be to never have a special time when you know that your prayers are more likely above all other times to be accepted?  How would it be to never have a special time to regroup and release yourself from the silly things that chain us to this life, like food?  How would it be to never have a time to stop and say, “Wait a minute, is this really what my poor and hungry brethren are feeling each and every day?”

 

I can’t imagine.  But I do imagine that many of them are probably thinking that they do have their own special time.  Christmas.  Christmas?  But I suppose you’d have to be a Muslim to see just how flawed that comparison is.  There is no comparison.

 

So, half of Ramadan is gone.  Alhamdulillah.  We only have another two weeks left.  I am feeling a bit sad about it too.  I am afraid of what happens when Ramadan is over.  The same old gluttonous, decadent, nonsensical life?  I am more committed than ever to NOT go that route, to remain steadfast even in post-Ramadan phase.  I want to carry that good feeling with me all year round.  But if I don’t, Insha Allah , there will be another Ramadan next year.  See how great Allah is?  He is always on time.

 

Khaalidah

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