If you had asked me a year ago what I knew about Islam I wouldn’t have been able to really say anything much other than I know Muhammed wrote the Quran, and the Quran is like the Islamic Bible. Pretty ignorant, I know. What’s worse is that as an American most of what I know about Islam is what’s broadcasted on the news…and it’s not good. We all know the news only reports on things that will “stir the pot”, so to speak. The Islamic Extremists, Al Qaeda, Sunnis, Shiites, 9-11, War, Bombs, Violence, Rape, Torture, Women in Ninja Masks; These are the things that came to mind when I thought of Islam. I knew that I wasn’t getting the entire picture. Deep down I knew that I was being fed propaganda and if I was going to truly experience teaching in Abu Dhabi, I had to be unbiased, open-minded, and unafraid.
It’s been almost 10 months that I’ve had the privilege of living in this beautiful, wealthy, diverse, lazy, and sometimes confusing country and I’m blessed to say I’ve learned so much. Today marks the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting by Muslims from sunrise to sunset to commemorate when Muhammed received the word of Allah and began transcribing the Quran. Muslims all over the world believe this is a time in which they can purify, practice self-control, repent, become more devout through prayer, get closer to Allah, and exercise the spirits of kindness and generosity.
In the morning there is a morning Suhoor around 3 am where everyone eats a hearty meal just before the first morning prayer at 4:15 am. After the first prayer the fast begins. At sundown, the UAE comes alive with Iftar (meaning break fast) meals happening all over the city. Enormous feasts bring together family and friends to fellowship throughout the evening. Every restaurant and store opens and stays open until the early hours of the morning. Even non-muslims can partake in the Iftar fun.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a lot of questions as an Expat living in a country governed by the laws of Islam. My main concern was not offending someone, or getting myself arrested for doing something in public that isn’t allowed. However, my concerns and fears were sensationalized and irrational.
I am learning that it’s all about acceptance and respect. This amazing country has opened its arms to millions of Expatriates to help them. They’ve offered expats crazy competitive pay, much better work hours, and great vacation packages than their home countries do. They’ve westernized much of the country to accommodate the westerners thirst for a fun night out on the town by opening bars, clubs, and stores that cater to our wants and needs. In return, respect is asked.
During Ramadan, an Expatriate living in an Islamic country is asked to refrain from eating or drinking in public. This includes chewing gum and water, or trying to get away with eating or drinking in the car. Music shouldn’t be audible to anyone so keep the volume low. Dressing more modest than usual is asked of both men and women. No shorts, tank tops, etc… at least in public.
The first thing that probably popped into some of your minds while reading that was, “Why would I have to do all of that? I’m not the one fasting. I’m not even Islamic.” I know, right. It’s our nature as westerners to think this way. I’m from America and the predominate mindset is that I am who I am and I’m going to do what I want and everyone needs to be okay with it because hey, “It’s a free country.” That’s just it though, this is not a free country. The U.A.E. is a country that prides itself on actually holding to its Islamic heritage and beliefs. Honestly, that is probably what makes it one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world.
During this month of Ramadan, I’ve decided that I’m going to work on myself. I’m not fasting or anything, but I am going to use this month to try to improve myself. It’s like a mid-year self check up. I’m going to use this time be consciously positive regardless of the circumstance and work on being better to myself and to others. I think that this experience of Ramadan can really change you if you let it. If you choose to see beyond what makes you uncomfortable, to see beyond what you don’t believe in, to see beyond all the trivial differences to the heart of the matter it’s really all about universal themes: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
In Christianity, these themes are called the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
In Buddhism – the Three Essentials (Mindfulness, Compassion, and Empitness (which helps a person attain wisdom, loving kindness, and offer compassion).
In Taoism – unity, kindness, and a quiet, restful, humble, simplistic form of living.
In Hinduism – personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry, meditation and surrender in God, and the belief that all life is sacred.
We’re not so different after all.
So, to all of my Islamic friends, Ramadan Kareem. May this month truly bless you with enlightenment, love, peace, and many blessings from Allah.
Audra Raye Abroad 