Marking Ramadan

Dear friends, once again I have been quiet on the airwaves. As you can imagine, it is not for a lack of activity, work or excitement. The good news is that this past weekend, I had a little (well, perhaps not so "little" visitor - and I am not referring to the parasitical type that have taken residence in me as of late) - Chris came up for the long weekend that marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan (or Ramazan) as it is called here in Afghanistan.

Ramadan started last week Thursday, albeit not with some confusion surrounding the actual start date. A bit tricky to run an office when you're told, "tomorrow could be a holiday", or it "could be the next day", but we won't know until 2am. Turns out Muslims wait for the official word from Saudi Arabia - and whatever happened, two radio stations in Afghanistan reported the date to be on two different days. Alas, we are now officially in Ramadan, which means shorter working days for the staff, as they fast from sun-up to sundown.

Ramadan lasts for 30 days and is intended to "purify and train body and soul" and to strive for Taqwa or "self-restraint." Certain people are exempt from fasting and include: Minors, the elderly, the sick*, people traveling*, pregnant women*, breastfeeding women*, menstruating women* and the mentally disabled. marked by the celebration of Eid that involves a lot of socializing with family and friends, and joyful eating and drinking.
(* are expected to fast an equivalent number of days afterwards)

Ramadan is divided into three sections: From days 1-10 we see "God's Mercy"; from days 11-20 "God's Forgiveness" and from 20-30 "Salvation from hell fire." Ramadan also reminds the person fasting to think of those who are hungry and suffering, and encourages the assistance of people who have less through charity and donations. Muslims are also discouraged from wasting food and encouraged to practice social responsibility.