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| Thanks to Damien Brejou for photograph |
The holy month of Ramadan is observed by over 1.5 billion muslims across the world. In the United
Kingdom, we might know a colleague, neighbour or friend who is fasting but what
do we really know about this month beyond the ‘not eating, not drinking’ part? Many may ask ‘what’s the point?’, and that’s
exactly what I’m learning here in Tunisia.
Fasting during Ramadan between sunrise and sunset is
obligatory for Muslims, as one of the 5 pillars of Islam it holds a deep
significance for both practicing and non-practicing followers of Islam. It is a time to become closer to Allah (SWT),
to be charitable and think of others, to self-reflect and to seek forgiveness
for wrong doing. KEEP READING! Don’t dismiss this post as irrelevant to
non-muslims - each of us as volunteers in Tunisia, irrespective of nationality
or religion have learned something during this month, both about Islam and
ourselves.
‘Wish for your brother what you wish for yourself’
In the weeks leading up to Ramadan, supermarkets across
Sousse were used by associations as a venue to collect food for under-privileged
local people. My association AJMEC also
organised this initiative and managed to collect enough food for 15
families. The generosity of local people
and families who themselves don’t have a disposable income was
overwhelming. They were also surprised
and touched to see foreigners collecting to help Tunisians – in these moments
labels and nationalities dissolve into insignificance.
A good friend of mine offered me some wise words in the
first days of Ramadan. I complimented
him on the fact that he regularly gives to the elderly asking for money on the
street. His reply was short and simple,
‘it’s not my money, it’s Gods’. Whether
you believe there is a God or not, what a beautiful philosophy! There is so much greed and selfishness in
this world, so many people destined to live a life of hardship because they
were born into it. To relinquish one’s
ownership of material possessions and to openly share all that you can because
you recognise a human being in need is something we should all aspire to.
I didn’t really know what to expect during Ramadan with
regards to day to day life during this month.
On the first night I travelled to Tunis to watch a football match. My train was delayed which meant I was
arriving just before Iftar (opening of the fast), knowing that everything would
be closed I worried about what I would eat/drink as I too was fasting. Luckily my friend there explained the
situation to his sister who prepared the most delicious feast for me at the
last minute. Later at the stadium I
watched a group of around 70 men make their evening prayer. When you’ve gone all day without food or
water in soaring temperatures, it’s easy to understand why even after the fast
opens you want to give thanks.
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| 'Zara' in Tunis |
When fasting, you have the luxury of knowing that in a few
hours, you will have a good meal and plenty of water. It makes you remember that not everyone is so
lucky. I think about the parents who
don’t know when they will next be able to provide food or water for their
children. I think about how they explain
this to them and it fills me with sadness.
Family
life also becomes even more important here in Ramadan. Opening the fast with food lovingly prepared
is such a special moment, every time.
Yes my family are in Scotland but every time I’ve opened the fast here
I’ve felt part of a family; with the volunteers at home, in the Youth Centre
and at home with Tunisian people
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| Opening the fast with young people in Dar Chabeb, Kalaa Kebira |
The values lived in this sacred month remind us of how we should treat one another all year. Sharing everything, being caring and kind, grateful and patient. If only every month could be like Ramadan.......
'A feeling of grief now fills my heart;
As the month of Ramadhan will soon depart.
So lets make a start and worship Him alone;
Now that the worth of this month is known.'
(Taken from the poem 'Ramadan is Here' by Asma Sadia'
