My favorite month of the year is here. Of course, this month carries a lot of significance for our brothers and sisters in Islam. Ramadan is the month to pray, fast and transcend temptation, to live up to the exemplary life of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH).
Yet, Kuwait’s diverse mix of people from literally every corner of the world and their various beliefs implies that many do not join in the sacred religious rituals. But this is where, to me, the beauty of Ramadan lies. There is something for everyone in sharing this experience.
Fasting, one of the main rituals in this holy month, serves two purposes. Fasting from food and drink from sunrise to sunset challenges the body, and in turn, nurtures the mind.
Every year, Ramadan carries with it candid camera moments on a daily, or better yet, an hourly rate. These moments become viral sensations when they happen abroad, but for Muslims, they are a common event.
Moments like a policemen offering water and dates for people stuck in traffic during the hour of breaking the daily fast while they themselves are still fasting, the less fortunate being showered with food and clothing, people from all walks of life gathering in a mosque regardless of religious beliefs to share an Iftar meal with their Muslim brothers, Westerners
wearing dishdashas on their way to an Iftar invite…. I can keep this list going on for pages based only on my short, seven-year experience of living in Kuwait, and I know for a fact I have not seen a fraction of all those moments.
Ramadan is just magical in that sense. It brings out all people’s great and hidden qualities to the public eye, not for show, but rather to set the standard for exemplary behavior.
Witnessing all that often makes me reflect on “me”. I often find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the goodness people display which leads me to think that I must do more for those who need it. And again, this is not a self-fluff piece that is meant to make you go “oh….” This is just me conveying why this holy month moves me to my core.
So, if you’re new in Kuwait, or have been here for a while but feel you are disconnected from people during this holy month, I invite you to go on the streets after Iftar time and witness the magical love of life that this month infuses in people. Witness those transformative moments that are meant for pure good and not for show. Witness the melting pot that is this beautiful nation, where people all gather to just enjoy a great conversation and a heartfelt laugh but most importantly, witness your level of happiness rising at the sight of such pure and genuine human interactions.
We are all one, molded from the same two ingredients, carbon and our desire to be loved. If you reflect on the first ingredient you will soon realize that every other label falls then and there. We are all created the same, equal and alike. But then, our self- made norms and divisive labels step-in and make you think: How are well equal, if the other person is this, and I am that? Here is the exact moment where you should reflect on the second ingredient—our desire to be loved.
If you perceive every person you meet with that eye, you will eventually learn to override your inner categories and just look at everyone equally, thus achieving one of the most valuable virtues of the holy month.
These thoughts took seven years to simmer inside my brain, and I’m glad they did, because, six years ago, when I decided to venture into learning about the significance of Ramadan for my brothers in Islam, I was actually venturing into learning more about myself and through that process I now perceive everyone with a loving eye.
Wishing you all a happy and blessed Ramadan!
George Tarabay is a marketing expert/ Filmmaker/ comedian/Podcaster. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, SoundCloud @GeorgeTarabay.
