Ramadan Is Here :: What You Need to Know

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    Ramadan Is Here :: What You Need to Know | Columbia SC Moms BlogMy sister just shared a Facebook memory with me right as I was starting this post, and it was perfect timing because it involved the beginning of the story I am about to share with you, my readers. 

    Five years ago I did something quite out of my comfort zone. Adventurous, yes, but scary nonetheless, because it involved the unknown.

    I went to Africa. No, this was not the part of Africa you go on safaris and see cool wildlife. I went to a part of Africa that was 99% Muslim and spoke Arabic.

    As soon as I landed, I felt like I was in the Middle East with the clothing, language, and signage. I had to wear clothing that covered everything but my hands, neck, and face. It was hot in the desert, y’all. Like many Americans, I did not know as much as I could have about this part of the world. It was simply labeled “other” and quite foreign to me. 

    I half expected everyone would hate me because I am an American. A foreigner in their land. I found quite the opposite. I met people on boats, on the street, and in the marketplace, and they would invite my group over to dinner that very day! They wanted to hear about our lives, and we would talk. I was used to Southern hospitality, but Southern hospitality had nothing on this. They would practically roll out the red carpet for us like we were royalty.

    It made me think about the United States and how many international college students are never invited to an American’s home while studying abroad. I felt ashamed. I vowed to do better with international people when I returned to Columbia. It is not like I am a terrible person, but I could be more hospitable and take more time with them. The world comes to us in Columbia with so many international students studying here.

    Before I left for this trip, someone I knew who lived in subSaharan Africa for thirty years told me I would come back with a real heart for Muslim people. I kind of brushed that thought off as most people would when they do not understand something they have not experienced. I’m here to say I was wrong.

    It seems like every semester I have at least one Muslim female student in my class. As an instructor I maintain a professional student-teacher relationship, however after the term was over two of them emailed me and asked if we could keep in touch. They invited me into their homes and I was able to meet their families. One student invited me to her graduation party, bridal shower, wedding, and then baby shower. Again, their families were so hospitable and kind.

    I felt like I was living the book Tuesdays With Morrie, except I was not that old nor did I feel like I had that much wisdom to impart. Still, it was really cool to have an on-going friendship with a former student.

    One of them invited me to her mosque for Muslim Day. I attended and it was fascinating to see a different way of life firsthand. The Imam (leader and speaker of the local Muslim community) spoke about Islam. We were able to go inside the mosque. They gave us a copy of the Quran, and fed us delicious food. If you ever get the chance to go to a Muslim Day, please do. Learn firsthand about a religion not many non-Muslim Americans truly take the time to understand.

    Back then, I did not know much about Ramadan. Since then, I have been able to experience an iftar (breaking of the fast) dinner at the Atlantic Institute. If you ever get a chance to go to one of their events, please do. The cultural exchange there is so fascinating.

    We are upon Ramadan, the Muslims’ most holy month (May 6- June 4, 2019). Here’s what you need to know:

    • Muslims cannot eat or drink from sun-up to sun-down (including water).
    • Breaking the fast is usually done by eating dates and drinking water.
    • Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
    • The most holiest of nights is the Night of Power, the night that the prophet Muhammad received the Quran. This year it starts at sun-down the evening of May 5 and ends at sun-down on June 4.
    • Muslim owned businesses (especially food ones) may be closed during this month during daylight hours and open up at sun-down.
    • Women do not have to fast if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing. If they miss fasting days, they can make it up at a later date or feed one person for each day they miss.
    • Women who are on their menstrual cycle can not fast due to being in an impure state and will make it up at a later date.
    • Travelers, the sickly, the old, and wounded can make up their fast later if they choose not to fast or also feed one person for each day they miss.

    If you have Muslim friends, please do not offer them food or water during daylight hours during this time. Also, be kind and try not to eat or drink in front of them. Ask them about their faith and engage in conversation about it. It makes you a better citizen of the world.

    * I would like to acknowledge my Muslim friend who read this for accuracy. Thanks, J.!*

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    Tabitha Epperson
    Born and raised in Mississippi but making Columbia her second home since 2008, Tabitha is a sociologist, doula, college instructor, and sorority house mom. She knows more details about pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding than most people care to talk about and loves her three chihuahuas (Toto, Gumbo, and Shrimp). She is currently working on her dissertation for her Ph.D. and dreams about the day when she will be finished. Tabitha crafts but not that great, and if she used Pinterest more, she could probably be on a Pinterest fails page somewhere. She’s an avid reader but mostly reads things related  to her dissertation these days. As a house mom, she never knows how her day will go when she wakes up, but she mentors and guides over 200 women on a daily basis and loves accompanying them on the path to full adulthood. She volunteers often and tries to make the world a better place. 

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