Impressions Of Ramadhan [Archives:2000/01/Culture]

Ewelina Suprowicz,
H.E. Polish Ambassador’s daughter
Ramadhan Karim

I remember when we first came here and it was only two months before Ramadhan started. All my Muslim classmates couldn’t wait for the Holy Month to come. Shortly after, I began going to school an hour later and felt uncomfortable when I was allowed to eat a snack during our breaks. It was right then that I saw and experienced what Ramadan was like in Yemen. Most of my friends fasted and I admired them for their tenacity and inner strength since they were only twelve years old. The fact that they actually came to school on those days, on time (9 am), surprised me as well, since on the streets of Sanaa not a soul could be seen at this early hour.
After researching the Holy Month of Ramadan, I learned and understood the meaning and true importance of the sacrifices made. All the information I absorbed fascinated me. I began to appreciate the importance of commitment to faith in the Muslim world, especially during Ramadan. It is a time of inner development, of great devotion to God, fulfilling good deeds, and fasting, which of course translates into self-control. I believe that Ramadan is by far the most important celebration for the one billion Muslim followers, similar to the Christmas holiday that we recently celebrated.
The way I portray this ninth month of the Islamic calendar, currently celebrated, is that all Muslims unite by refraining from earthly pleasures during the day and devoting more time to religions contemplation. Most of all, I truly acknowledge Ramadhan for its belief in good hearts since it is a month of compassion.
Sharing

Nina Suprowicz, 
H.E. Polish Ambassador’s Spouse

This is my fourth Ramadan in Yemen and my ninth in general (5 years in Iraq.) Here, I find Ramadan to be celebrated in a bit different way than in Iraq. There, people worked from the early morning to 3 pm, and as in Yemen, they didn’t eat or drink throughout the whole day. After their first meal at sunset, they worked more. Here people sleep late; they start functioning around noontime, work until sunset and later till after midnight. In a way, our lives are turned upside-down. Nights become day and day becomes night. At first, life is disorganized, but after a few days we get used to the “ritual” and enjoy it.

I personally find Yemenis to be tolerant people. They accept us as foreigners, the way we come here, with our good and bad habits. Since we are only guests in this country, I see no reason why we shouldn’t have full respect towards local customs. Besides, I believe that spending Ramadan in Yemen helps us understand the importance of this Holy Month to Yemenis, who truly believe in Allah. IFTAR, the breakfast at sunset, brings the families together to share food.
I also believe that the most beautiful thing about Ramadan is sharing. Sharing with others, the poor, those in need, feeding the hungry, and most of all improving the lives of other people who are less fortunate.
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