Ramazan is Here

Hello All,

Ramazan, it's like the Catholic Lenten period on major steroids. Let me explain. In most Muslim cultures, this holy time is called Ramadan... I have no idea why the Afghans call it Ramazan. But here's the meaning behind this most holy time for them:

•Celebrates the month in which the Qur’an (the holy book of Islam) was revealed to Muhammad. In 2010, the published dates for Ramadan are: August 12th through Sept 9/10th
•Celebration includes: Fasting, Repentance, Increased prayer, Increased charity.
•Official working hours are generally reduced from 8 hours to 5 hours during Ramazan
•Fasting (nothing put into your mouth) is from dawn (one half hour before sunup) to dusk (one half hour after sundown).
•The Night of Power is most important night . (This year 05-06 SEP)
•Ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr: Day of celebration and gratitude.
•Appropriate to greet Muslims with “Happy Eid” during this time which should be 10-12 SEP.

TYPICAL DAILY ACITIVITES
•Sahoor: Meal before dawn and the first prayer of the day.
•Iftar: breaking of the fast at Sunset (coincides with the 4th daily prayer).
•Ziarat: Social gatherings e.g. visiting relatives, sharing food with neighbours, friends, and the poor.
•Tarawih: Optional Prayers at early night (20-21hrs*)
•Qiraat: Reading of the Qur’ãn during free time.
•Qiam: Optional late-night prayers in the last 10 days (02-04hrs*).

I'm told by the 2nd week of Ramazan we'll see a change in personalities of our Muslim counterparts... the lack of food, caffeine (no chai tea) and water during these hot days takes an effect. I'll keep you up on how it goes.

This blog hug goes to my interpreter Asa who will practice her faith completely... I'm thinking it'll be extra hard for her given she's so very frail already and has a crazy busy schedule with family, work and full time college.

Love to All,

Gail