Ramadan

So today I decided to start fasting in honor of Ramadan. So far what I've read in both The Qu'ran and The Holy Bible, in the efforts of seeking god's mercy, forgiveness and protection: fast with out weeping or mourning.

Fasting is meant to renew your commitment and re-establish your relationship with your creator. The Qu'ran refers to food and sex as worldly comforts and by restraining oneself or even not indulging, even for a short period of time, the physical benefits and spiritual benefits of self-purification and self-restraint increase.

The fasting I am about to take part in takes place from dawn to sunset. The only ones that should be exempt are; pre-adolescant, ill, pregnant and/or nursing, traveling, on your menstrual cycle, taking medication or under the care of a physician. I am not burdened by any of these things so why no build on my spiritual strength and consciousness. About an hour ago at approximately four this morning I woke to suhur (pre-dawn breakfast). My next meal will be iftar (post-sunset dinner). Between these times I am going to become more familiar with the text in both the Bible and the Qu'ran, journaling my findings and praying for strength, peace of mind and protection while abroad the rest of this year.

P.S. If you would like to know where I found the text about Ramadan and fasting in the Bible and the Koran (translated Qu'ran), here you are....

Bible-Joel 2:12-13
Koran-Chap.2 Ver. 183-185

Day 4:Ramadan

So this is my fourth day fasting in honor of Ramadan and compared to the fasting I have done in the past, this is easier than I expected. The first day I was more than hungry, I was starving! I decided to pray that god cure my pangs of hunger with the thought of prayer. Now I am full off prayer.

Yesterday was the first time at a Turkish family gathering. Of course I was "knee shaking" nervous. Not about meeting all the uncles, aunts, grandparents and cousins but because I am learning very quickly that Turkish people LOVE TO EAT!!! At iftar (post-sunset dinner) yesterday Corlea was served first. It was similar to Tomato Soup. As soon as I took the last spoonful in my mouth the bowl was swifted from under me and replaced by a plate of Pilav (steamed rice), Palicanle Keffe (meatballs wrapped in eggplant), and seasoned green beans which I don't remember the name of. Along with this entree there were a range of ekmekdir (breads), dressings and even salsa. By this time I am on the verge of being stuffed but guess what... they were not finished with me yet. I think I blinked and in that little time, dessert was served lol! First came the Revani, my favorite. It tastes just like my grandmother's homemade cornbread but this was draped with Rose Water (clear, sweet, sticky syrup). Next, came the fruit... the mountains of kavun (cantaloupe). You would think that after not eating since before sunrise my stomach would have been touching my back. I thought so to, I tried to indulge in everything! I tied to keep up with them.... it turns out I couldn't because after iftar while chatting in the living room, MORE FOOD WAS SERVED! On a beautiful silver platter; çay (tea), erik (plums), seftali (peaches), elma (apples), misir koçani (corn on the cob) and even more mountains kavun (cantaloupe). Everything from beginning to end was delightful! However, I am getting closer and closer to the AFS abroad expectation.... I refuse they have to stop cooking all these delicious meals, "what will happen when Ramadan is over?", I won't be ANOTHER FAT STUDENT!!!

Originally written for On Turkish Turf