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”
Tag Archives: Ramadan
Best Offer I’ve Had in Months
Ramadan begins in early May. My church buddy Marie has offered to fast with me for a week of it this year. Yay Marie! Yay Ramadan! I ordered a book about fasting. It’s one thing to fast on your own, as you were taught by a devout Muslim. It’s another to pass along the properContinueContinue reading “Best Offer I’ve Had in Months”
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”
Ramadan 2018: 2: Reasons Behind Fasting
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a requirement for Muslims. It’s one of the five pillars of Islam. It can be really rewarding, and it’s also really challenging. For me, the whole point is intimacy with God. And fasting is uniquely well suited to creating that intimacy. When I feel that intimacy, Ramadan isContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2018: 2: Reasons Behind Fasting”
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