Here is a lovely picture of a sunset that I watched at Otter Crest last week. It is important not only for it's beauty, but for the signal that the day is done and Fode can now break his fast. Fode is fasting for Ramadan. This means he does not consume anything during daylight(food or drink). I am impressed and amazed at his self-control and devotion. This is the month of Ramadan according to the Islamic Calendar. Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims. Here is an explanation for one of the main purposes of Ramada according to www.islamicity.com:
The month of Ramadhan is divinely made for self-reflection and self-examination. Along with the soul-taming experience of self-restraint and delay of gratification found in fasting, we are given the opportunity to probe our own minds and hearts in a deeper way. This soul searching can include looking at "my" relationship with Allah, my relationship with my own self, and my relationship with other people, particularly my family members.
The moon is also so much more important to me during Ramadan. It is the time table showing me the progress of the month (since it does not follow our dates). I have watched it get bigger and bigger and now I am watching and waiting for it to get smaller and smaller. When it disappears then the month is over and the fasting is over. Then it is time to celebrate and exchange gifts. Clothes are the traditional gift on the Eid-Ul-Fitr (the ending night of Ramadan) for Fode's family. We have been shopping for shoes for our nieces and nephew in France. The good thing is that there are not crazy shopping crowds for Ramadan unlike Christmas time shopping. So think of Fode as the sunsets and the moon rises for the next couple of weeks.
