Rebirth & Ramadan

I've decided to take back my blog here, a rebirthing as you will. I'm doing this because I've decided to observe Ramadan this year, 2007, and possibly in the future as well; I wish to document my observance and observations.

This summer I picked up a pair of classic literature pieces: John Milton's Paradise Lost and The Koran. Since I'm writing of Ramadan, you can guess which I worked on more during summer (comments on Milton will be forthcoming).

Many non-Muslims may be familiar with the word Ramadan; their Muslim friends end up fasting for a lunar month, abstaining from food and drink during the day, only to eat their meals before sunrise, and after sunset. The fast acts as a deeply personal prayer to Allah. One could draw an analogy to the practice of Lent, where people give up something important to them for a period of time. This month is also accompanied by an attempt to live with more pure thoughts/deeds, as well as a time for greater study of the Koran.

I've never met a non-Muslim that has gone through Ramadan, from beginning to end.

Nor have I ever met a non-Muslim that has ever fasted during Ramadan in observance of this.

I am not a Muslim, but I want to make it through the whole month. Generally when people find out, I do not receive much of a response, much like how no one questions their Jewish friends for observing Roshanah this weekend. Few have asked me why, knowing that I am not a Muslim. Discipline is a nice thing to gain, as is knowledge and the experience of partaking in the month. However, when I tell people that I simply want to observe the month because I want to do so...people get puzzled looks. No college kid just gives up eating during the day. Mabye there is more to my desire to participate than I realize, but I am observing, and will not tolerate derision in my quest.

Anyhow, I woke up this morning at 05:15, and had a small meal of olives, water and cheese. Fajr was at 5:34, I'm not versed in prayer, so I read from the Koran instead. I started reading Abraham this morning. I didn't make it to Trader Joes last night, I need some juice and some fruit available in the morning.

Maghrib is around 7:20 tonight, and the GWU MSA is hosting an Iftar dinner tonight, like they will every Monday through Thursday at Mariam's Kitchen. I'll be there.