editor’s note
T
he month of September is an important month for over a billion Muslims around the world. For 30 days, the entire Muslim population will observe Ramadan (which falls on September 1st this year), an important religious act that they looked forward to because it calls for humility, sacrifice and sharing. This is my third Ramadan in Dubai and like the first time, observing Ramadan still fascinates me. The mood everywhere is solemn and serene. Respect is observed especially in offices where both Muslims and non-Muslims work together. I observed nonMuslims who were very discreet in consuming their food, so not to offend their Muslim colleague. Others even observe fasting since work hours are usually cut short during Ramadan. The local hospitality is also very clear as invitations from friends and colleagues for iftars and suhoors flood your emails and phones. Observing Ramadan for the past two years, I realized that there are more important things that Muslims carry out during the holy month. The most important I think is fasting. Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset. Others may find starving yourself during the day and then feast on food in the evening absurd but fasting gives many special benefits. Among these, the most important is you learn self-control and patience. Because we are not preoccupied with the urge to satisfy hunger during the day, a measure of ascendancy is given to one’s spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God. By experiencing hunger, one also develops sympathy for the less fortunate and learns thankfulness and appreciation for all of God’s blessings and provisions. Fasting is also beneficial to the health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence. Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship. By reading the Quran and attending prayers, one is purifying his behavior and then does good deeds. Why? This is because during this month, the Muslims are less involved with physical needs
2 I Travel Arabia I September June
and have a better opportunity of understanding the Quran. Therefore there is a better chance of understanding the truth and reaching that spiritual elevation that we all desire. The most obvious aspect of Ramadan is the intensification of family and community spirit. It is a common practice to invite and be invited to family and friends homes for the breaking of the fast and for suhoor. Muslims also gather to pray together which is highly encouraged and rewarded. Ramadan spans for either 29 or 30 days and once it is completed, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a day for thanksgiving. Eid, as popularly called, is celebrated differently from country to country. For Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance, celebrating the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, fellowship, brotherhood and unity. There is so much to learn about Ramadan and the best way to learn it is by observing it yourself. Since Ramadan is here, I hope this issue will help you take advantage of this blessed month and appreciate what the Muslims population will observe. If you get invited to an iftar or suhoor, please accept the invitation. You will not only experience true local hospitality but goodness that comes from the purest heart. Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak!
Flor B. Pamintuan