Ramadan Kareem? A challenging Holy Month

Monday kicks off the Holy Month- so wishing you blessings for Ramadan; No divorces this Ramadan in at least one spot of the Muslim 'kingdom'; Reports from Egypt on sectarian relations on the dawn of the Holy Month; Syria tries to stifle Muslim expression in Hama on the Eve of Ramadan; And an Atheist challenges Muslims' steadfastness and faith this month.

This Ramadan 2011 poses a lot more challenges than usual- and not just regarding the resilience required by the fast.

Affendina [2]

Ramadan Kareem

It was announced today that the holy month of Ramadan will start on Monday 2nd August 2011. Happy Ramadan!

A Sense of Belonging [3]

A Muslim Clears a Path through Prayers

When a Muslim with a good mission dares to disrupt Friday's unwavering praying people: "Friday in Egypt is the day for Muslim prayers, which throughout Islamic history have been a communal event. Around midday the faithful flock to the neighborhood mosque, listen to a sermon, and perform their prayers."

Frankdom [4]

No divorces during Ramadan in Qatif

So divorce goes against the spirit of the Holy Month of abundance and generosity, of valuing the family and food we do have. "The Department of Endowments and Heritage in the eastern city of Qatif has decided to ban divorces during the holy month of Ramadan, local Arabic daily Al-Riyadh reported Thursday."

Self Hating Lebanese [5]

A dare for the religious people

An alternative way of thinking when others are upping their faith and devotion: "So it’s that time of year again, Ramadan, where people try to preach for me, hinting for me , convincing me to follow the “truth” , and what not. I can’t tell you how annoying it is, how offensive they are to even think about it. I am atheist, and you are trying to convince me with your ways, how about I try to “convert” you to atheism would you like agree with that? no. Anyway no body can convert anyone to atheist, they usually do that on their own."

Syria Comment [6]

Hama Being Subdued Before Ramadan – “Way out of the Syrian Crisis,” by Patrick Seale

On the Eve of Ramadan, as we hear of Hama clamp-downs on people and even religion, with rumors rife of the 'Addan' or Call for Prayer being banned in mosques, take a look at expert Seale's 'two cents' and more on the situation on the ground. "Patrick Seale is the foremost Syria scholar. He has written the two best books on the rise of the Baath and Hafiz al-Assad. Bashar al-Assad closed his doors to Seale, believing he should find his own chronicler of Syrian politics just as he should tone up and revitalize the lineaments of the regime itself. His was a youthful plan, full of hope and confidence." "The regime has mishandled the protest movement. Slow to grasp the nature of the popular challenge, it has been violent and incompetent in confronting it. The security services, like President Bashar Al Assad himself, seem to have been taken by surprise. By resorting to live fire against the protesters, they displayed indiscipline and arrogant contempt for the lives of ordinary citizens. Ordinary people want respect. This has been one of the motors of the Arab Spring."