Moon watching was the plan, the haze got in the way but the evening was one to remember. Ramadan has been set for 2009, a month of religious celebrations for Muslim people from all over the world. Days of fasting from dawn until the sun has set, nights of feasting and celebration. It's a big deal, especially here in the Middle East. Even as an expat.
I'm really looking forward to experiencing my first Ramadan. I'm not sure how I'll manage not being able to eat or drink in public, including at work, from sunrise to sun set. I'm hoping I won't forget and dig into my handbag for the ever present drink bottle. I'm sure in this place of peaceful tolerance that someone will gently remind me.
The moon sighting last night was special as it would set Ramadan for the UAE. On top of Jebal Hafeet the elders were watching for the same phenomenon we were, the new crescent moon rising and setting as the sun does, very low on the horizon.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset.
The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day period known as Eid ul-Fitr, the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children.
Read more about Ramadan here.
The photos are of the camp fire, a primeval ritual when out in the wilds; the mosque dome at Buremi; the group waiting and watching and the sun setting through one of the few trees around.
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