Ramadan in Turkey
This month of Ramadan (Ramazan) in Turkey and on Saturday for Muslims in America. Practicing Muslims make sacrifices during Ramadan by fasting from all food, smoking and sex from sun up to sundown every day during the month. Although the fasting practice is the same everywhere, how one celebrates this holy season may differ from culture to culture or country to country.
This coming Ramadan bears repeating an anecdote I heard last year: “We speak different languages; We come from different cultures; We keep different traditions. No matter who you are or where you are, You are not responsible for the past, But you are responsible for the future.” In The Trouble with Islam Today, Irshad Manji notes that Muslim families bring up their children to believe Islam is the most beautiful way of life morally, socially and spiritually. While living in Turkey, I also learned many of these principles and found many cherished times spent with my Turkish friends. I was immersed in Muslim society and learned the practices associated with Ramadan and Islam.
It was a rare occasion that I did not have an invitation to break bread (iftar) during Ramadan evenings with my Turkish family or friends and colleagues. Employers also respected this observance. I wonder how many employers in America allow their Muslim employees to leave early to share dinner with their family and friends. It was so adhered to in Turkey that employers even had special dinners prepared nightly for their employees and many times they invited dignitaries to come and share the meal.
Food tents are set up all over every town in Turkey, where anyone can share dinner at no cost; although, it is more for the poor without food. Did you know that this year is the first time in thirty years that the beginning of Ramadan has fallen in August? This year fasting can be particularly difficult for our Muslim friends because the sun rises very early around 5 a.m. and it doesn’t set until around 8 p.m., so observant Muslims will get really hungry by the time the figs are passed to break their fast.
Many non-Muslims don’t know that the Koran demands respect of all religions and prophets which mean that the majority of Muslims never speak against other religions or their sacred prophets. Further, in Turkey, it was more common than not for people of other religions to be invited to the Ramadan evening meal. Unfortunately, right now in North Carolina, there is a case going on which may lead non-Muslims to believe otherwise.
Religion has always wreaked havoc on the world; but it is a person’s narrow mind and closed heart that support most of this negative consciousness. Conversely, all religions have their sacred times when people become more patient, share their worth, find some peace and celebrate forgiveness and unity. I hope everyone will share the holy Ramadan season by remembering that our neighbors or friends may be fasting this month and give them respect by wishing them a happy and holy Ramadan season.
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