Ramadan is here...

Have no fear... or really I should have a little fear ..

What is Ramadan?

Fasting AKA Sawm
The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by most observant Muslims. The fasting during Ramadan has been so predominant in defining the month that some have been led to believe the name of this month, Ramadan, is the name of Islamic fasting, when in reality the Arabic term for fasting is Sawm. Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world break their fast when the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset), is due. They eat before the sun comes up at a certain time and after a certain time during the night.
[edit]Proscriptions and prescriptions during Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam as well as refraining from anger, envy, greed, lust, sarcastic retorts, backbiting, and gossip. They are encouraged to read the Qur'an. Sexual intercourse during fasting in the day is not allowed but is permissible after the fast (when referring to sexual intercourse, it is intended to mean with one's spouse alone, as all pre- and extra-marital relations are strictly forbidden in Islam). Obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, as well as sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intending to make Muslims more generous and charitable.

Courtesy of my fave thing ever.. WIKIPEDIA

Since every year it moves up a month.. the days are getting longer.. the sun goes down at around 745-8pm... so that means I have to fast from Sun up till sun down.. sigh..no water...no XXX (shoot me now) .. no Orbitz gum... no shots of Grand Ma with Papa... No cursing, no making fun of people... no extra partying... no extra anything... just a time to reflect on my life, my relationship with my maker, and my relationship with the ones I love and whom love me... 30 days of pure reflection and moments of clarity...

Ramadan doesnt feel like much in the states.. I miss being home in the middle east and breaking fast with family, hearing the prayer throught the city from the mosques, eating dates, going to the bodega afterwards to get the stuff that you have been craving all day only not to be able to eat it.... I just miss being home in the middle east.. the picture above is what the skylines look like on a regular basis....

I want to go home soon....