Ramadan Kareem!

My last few weeks here coincide with Ramadan, the month in which Muslims around the world fast. This means that Muslims do not eat or drink (as well as other things like sexual relations and smoking) during the day, between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is a time of reflection.

 In majority Muslim countries, as a courtesy to those who are fasting, those who are not fasting (including but not limited to Christians and other non-Muslims, pregnant women, the sick, young children, and women who are menstruating) do not eat or drink in public during the day. This keeps us from tempting those who are fasting to break it. Muslims who are fasting, break their fast in the evening after sunset and eat pre-fasting before sunrise (and can eat anytime between as well). Many businesses chose to open late or have shorter hours during Ramadan, since the majority of the population of Jordan is fasting. The vast majority of restaurants open only in the evening and stay open late into the night during this month as well.

I pray for blessing on those who are fasting, especially because it's extremely hot during this time of year in Jordan and not getting to drink water during the day difficult on the body.

Ramadan Kareeem, my friends!




Fun fact: Many people put up decorative lights for Ramadan, like how Christians put up Christmas lights!