Thursday, August 04, 2011

Ramadan, via an American born, somewhat new convert

I have been married to my Muslim, Egyptian husband for ten years.  For nine of those years I have been Muslim.  When my husband first explained the basics of the religion to me, I thought it was some thing I could get behind.  Saying "there is no God but God" in front of a witness, praying five times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving to charity, and making Haj in your lifetime if you have the means.  Hey....that doesn't seem to be too difficult! ( I may have misjudged my fortitude here a little.  OK, I did misjudge my fortitude here.  ALOT.)  I converted when we started talking about having children.  We wanted to bring our kids up in a home with religious a value system.  I myself pretty much have a laissez faire attitude; having never really been religious, per se.  My approach to Islam has been not unlike some people's approach so say.... Catholicism; Which is to say, I really rock at being Muslim twice a year: at Ramadan, and Eid al Fitr.  Even now, I don't so much consider myself religious. Religion is something I struggle with however, especially during Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarek!