BUZZ CULTURE: RAMADAN | FEATURE
Ramadan has begun this week, as of Mon 12 Apr, and stretches from one new moon to the next. It marks a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement and heightened devotion and worship; while I am an unhappy atheist, I implore you to think about these wonderful and ancient religious preparations.
Growing up, one of my best friends was of the Muslim faith. Incredibly wise and talented in every aspect of her life, she would guide me through the dangers of my own innocence, give me great advice and helped me with anything mathematically skewed against my favour. She is now a wonderful parent and all-round amazing lady, but at the time I was fascinated about the differences between our own faiths and practices. She knew I had lots of questions and answered them patiently, and with as much information as possible.
Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr were the most fascinating as an outsider to the activities. As an annual observance of this month-long festivity, it is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.
Food is considered as one of the major celebratory aspects to the predawn fasting, referred to as the suhur, while the breaking of the fast is called the iftar. It is an obligatory declaration of your faith and dedication, unless as an adult your body is unable to acclimate itself to such practices: being elderly, being pregnant or breastfeeding, having diabetes or another condition which could affect one’s health and/or menstruation.
In light of recent COVID restrictions, my usual involvement with this wonderful family has been halted – shunted towards a virtual window to this rich cultural difference. Casually, I was interested in the bridal practice of mehndi [pictured], an application of the dye henna upon the skin, as it could create a temporary tattoo of beautiful patterns – a symbol of hope to myself through a difficult time with my mental health.
Through lockdown, I have been focused on daily news and was concerned for the BAME communities as COVID has ravaged society and taken with it loved ones without thought for who it leaves behind. I pay tribute to every single family that has lost members of their clans.
There has been an outcry for kindness, greater understanding and laughter in these dark and depressing times; I have always found kindness in the household of my friend and her family. They were always there to offer a kind word, or shelter in the rain, and would teach me about their religion with a patience that is unparalleled.
If lockdown has taught me anything, then, talking is the best medicine – but from a safe distance, just for now.
words BILLIE INGRAM-SOFOKLEOUS photos JOSH RODRIGUEZ
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