During past Ramadans, the only thing that mattered to me was an emotional connection to God. A good day of fasting was a day I felt close to God. If I didn’t feel an intense emotional reward, I was bereft. I actually felt punished. I didn’t know that there was another way to evaluate aContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2019: III: Getting Closer to God”
Category Archives: Ramadan
Ramadan 2019: II: Rules and Regs
There can be a lot of pressure to fast to the letter of the law in Islam. In my location right now, that means fasting from about 5 am to about 9 pm. Assuming you’re eating alone or with family, and in your own home, that gets you to, at most, about five hours ofContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2019: II: Rules and Regs”
Ramadan 2019: I: Community
Something I’ve really missed in the last couple of Ramadans is community. I remember the iftaars (fast-breakings) of my teenage years with great fondness. Large groups in family homes. Hundreds at the mosque. Best. Curried. Chicken. And. Rice. Ever. Last Friday I went to the mosque where I live now looking for a little community.ContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2019: I: Community”
Ramadan 2018: The Eid Party Was a Smashing Success
My friends are the best. I remember a time after I moved back to Lansing when I felt isolated and lonely. Now my life is full of close friends and I am so grateful for them. Everyone came with a great attitude. They were thrilled to celebrate with me, and while I said there wasContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2018: The Eid Party Was a Smashing Success”
Prepping for the Eid Party
Ramadan ends today and my Eid party is Saturday! The celebration turned into a PlusOne so what was going to be an intimate gathering of about 6 people has turned into a part-tay of 12. I’d like to take a moment to say why my guests are important to me and why I want toContinueContinue reading “Prepping for the Eid Party”
Ramadan 2018: 4: So, what’s up with fasting and church shopping at the same time?
One of my atheist parents’ greatest gifts to me when it comes to religion was that they passed on a strong, clear position that all religions are created equal. They all have plusses and minuses and they all fill similar personal and social needs. (That doesn’t mean they think cults should get tax exempt status.)ContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2018: 4: So, what’s up with fasting and church shopping at the same time?”
Ramadan 2018: 3: Planning an Eid Party
A great part of Ramadan is it’s sociability. When I converted to Islam in 1988, I was the fortunate recipient of many, many Iftar invitations. That’s the feast that breaks a days fasting. I also ate many a scrumptious meal at the mosque. As a fellow convert and I once said, They suck you inContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2018: 3: Planning an Eid Party”
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