We arrive at the
beginning of the last week of Ramadan, a sacred Islamic celebration. From Wikipedia:
We are instructed
during that time to wear clothing less form fitting than usual. I learned in
South Africa and China that even enlightened countries where young mothers wear
short skirts and heels, women of “a certain age” (and no one is clear on what
that age is, but it is apparently younger than I think) should keep elbows and
knees covered. We are also to plan not to eat or drink anything, even water, in
public or at our teaching sites. Meals will be served at home base at the usual
times, but many of the volunteers and all the staff will observe the sunup to sundown
fast. Sounds totally intriguing!
Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:
The month of Ramadan is that in which was
revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance,
and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let
him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of
other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and
that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for
having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.
Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad
first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month
of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar.
We are instructed
during that time to wear clothing less form fitting than usual. I learned in
South Africa and China that even enlightened countries where young mothers wear
short skirts and heels, women of “a certain age” (and no one is clear on what
that age is, but it is apparently younger than I think) should keep elbows and
knees covered. We are also to plan not to eat or drink anything, even water, in
public or at our teaching sites. Meals will be served at home base at the usual
times, but many of the volunteers and all the staff will observe the sunup to sundown
fast. Sounds totally intriguing!
Ramadan ends
August 18 with a huge festival and then the King’s birthday! Should be a lot to
see and experience.
One of the
reasons I have been fascinated to go to Morocco is the opportunity to see a
culture governed by the calls to prayer and a month of community fasting.
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