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Welcome, Ramadan 2011: a Stalemate to Arab Spring?

Published July 27th, 2011 - 10:02 GMT

As the Muslim world welcomes Ramadan 2011, set to start early next week, we wait with baited breath to see if the world will witness a time of peace and thanksgiving in the Middle East or an escalation in the unrest, and even violence, that has been characteristic of the last 6 months.

Traditionally, this Holy Month is marked by charity and blessings (maybe even excess) among family and friends. It is the time of the year when Muslim cities are aglow. Markets are awash with shoppers, families and friends fill cafes, decorative light sparkles over balconies, trees, and shops selling spices, jewelry or colorful scarves.

But Ramadan 2011 must absorb the spirit of recent revolution and ongoing unrest into what is otherwise a subdued time of peace.  Given that the community congregates more, as is customary with Ramadan, there might be more potential for trouble festering and civil movements spreading.

Still, the routine of Ramadan will likely prevail, hailing in overtones of family warmth and care, marked by devotion, spiritual cleansing and purity.

Al Bawaba bids you Ramadan Karim.

 

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Ramadan is upon us. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year is set to have the longest fasting day of the fasting month in 26 years, according to experts. That is, 16 hours and 1 minute in Jordan. Also set for the hottest month of this summer with soaring temperatures.

Ramadan is upon us. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year is set to have the longest fasting day of the fasting month in 26 years, according to experts. That is, 16 hours and 1 minute in Jordan. Also set for the hottest month of this summer with soaring temperatures.

Ramadan 'Karim' (generous) as the customary greeting or blessing goes; or Ramadan Rations?; This Ramadan the scramble for food - similar to that which precedes any festivity or season holiday with frantic supermarket dashes- is more pronounced. Maybe due to instability felt in the region.

Ramadan 'Karim' (generous) as the customary greeting or blessing goes; or Ramadan Rations?; This Ramadan the scramble for food - similar to that which precedes any festivity or season holiday with frantic supermarket dashes- is more pronounced. Maybe due to instability felt in the region.

Egypt's 'Balah' or Date market feature of the Holy Month: This month the main 'date' to headline the season is 'January 25' Revolution. Formerly, traditional gimmicks for date sales had top dates named for favorite celebrities. This year 'Revolutionary dates' usurped the Nancy and Haifa versions.

Egypt's 'Balah' or Date market feature of the Holy Month: This month the main 'date' to headline the season is 'January 25' Revolution. Formerly, traditional gimmicks for date sales had top dates named for favorite celebrities. This year 'Revolutionary dates' usurped the Nancy and Haifa versions.

Night owls' late shopping: People are active at night and the markets operate later hours to suit the consumers' schedules and activity, much like late night Christmas shopping. This hubbub marks the slight reversal of day to night for the community who become more active after the break of fast.

Night owls' late shopping: People are active at night and the markets operate later hours to suit the consumers' schedules and activity, much like late night Christmas shopping. This hubbub marks the slight reversal of day to night for the community who become more active after the break of fast.

Ramadan lights: In countries like Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition. While in Saudi Arabia, markets continue to operate uncharacteristically late.

Ramadan lights: In countries like Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition. While in Saudi Arabia, markets continue to operate uncharacteristically late.

Shopping frenzy : Reports off the street of rationing of food supplies in Jordan this Ramadan as one shopper getting stocked up for the opening week tells of being restricted on the number of chickens he was allowed to buy in a Jordan food market. Five chickens exceeded his allowance, apparently.

Shopping frenzy : Reports off the street of rationing of food supplies in Jordan this Ramadan as one shopper getting stocked up for the opening week tells of being restricted on the number of chickens he was allowed to buy in a Jordan food market. Five chickens exceeded his allowance, apparently.

Night life in Syria: It is customary to see people out and about in the old city of Damascus and areas that are usually only frequented by day or working hours come alive at night. Children find excitement in being allowed to stay up later and spend time with the family.

Night life in Syria: It is customary to see people out and about in the old city of Damascus and areas that are usually only frequented by day or working hours come alive at night. Children find excitement in being allowed to stay up later and spend time with the family.

“Shisha” cafes to luxurious tents: The Ramadan Tent is a staple in the UAE during the Holy Month for Iftar (or break of fast) to 'Suhur' (eating before the start of fast- often late night, into the dawn hours). People congregate in special tents- a fashion that peaked early 2000s in Lebanon.

“Shisha” cafes to luxurious tents: The Ramadan Tent is a staple in the UAE during the Holy Month for Iftar (or break of fast) to 'Suhur' (eating before the start of fast- often late night, into the dawn hours). People congregate in special tents- a fashion that peaked early 2000s in Lebanon.

Dry month: countries that thrive on the touristic and summer commerce will feel the effects. Morocco expects reduction of alcohol sales in summer time. Still in Morocco the joy of the month buoys them up: they decorate or renovate their houses in happy anticipation for the reception of Ramadan.

Dry month: countries that thrive on the touristic and summer commerce will feel the effects. Morocco expects reduction of alcohol sales in summer time. Still in Morocco the joy of the month buoys them up: they decorate or renovate their houses in happy anticipation for the reception of Ramadan.

Decline in film production and economic factors in the region might mean frivolity is off the Ramadan menu: Will items as traditional Sufi dancing be replaced by political rallies and a more sombre mood to the season? Egypt's film and entertainment industry has been reportedly slipping off.

Decline in film production and economic factors in the region might mean frivolity is off the Ramadan menu: Will items as traditional Sufi dancing be replaced by political rallies and a more sombre mood to the season? Egypt's film and entertainment industry has been reportedly slipping off.

Ready for Ramadan: A supermarket owner in Damascus, reports that people have started stocking up on nonperishable foods as they brace themselves for an escalation in civil unrest during Ramadan with larger numbers of protesters expected on the streets.

Ready for Ramadan: A supermarket owner in Damascus, reports that people have started stocking up on nonperishable foods as they brace themselves for an escalation in civil unrest during Ramadan with larger numbers of protesters expected on the streets.

Ramadan spirit of peace versus Revolutionary fever: Will the 'Friday rage' be tempered by the holy season? Or will the passion be galvanized by religious zeal? Protesters in Syria are planning on having much bigger demonstrations while people stay up late during the month and frequent mosques.

Ramadan spirit of peace versus Revolutionary fever: Will the 'Friday rage' be tempered by the holy season? Or will the passion be galvanized by religious zeal? Protesters in Syria are planning on having much bigger demonstrations while people stay up late during the month and frequent mosques.

Ramadan is upon us. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year is set to have the longest fasting day of the fasting month in 26 years, according to experts. That is, 16 hours and 1 minute in Jordan. Also set for the hottest month of this summer with soaring temperatures.
Ramadan 'Karim' (generous) as the customary greeting or blessing goes; or Ramadan Rations?; This Ramadan the scramble for food - similar to that which precedes any festivity or season holiday with frantic supermarket dashes- is more pronounced. Maybe due to instability felt in the region.
Egypt's 'Balah' or Date market feature of the Holy Month: This month the main 'date' to headline the season is 'January 25' Revolution. Formerly, traditional gimmicks for date sales had top dates named for favorite celebrities. This year 'Revolutionary dates' usurped the Nancy and Haifa versions.
Night owls' late shopping: People are active at night and the markets operate later hours to suit the consumers' schedules and activity, much like late night Christmas shopping. This hubbub marks the slight reversal of day to night for the community who become more active after the break of fast.
Ramadan lights: In countries like Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition. While in Saudi Arabia, markets continue to operate uncharacteristically late.
Shopping frenzy : Reports off the street of rationing of food supplies in Jordan this Ramadan as one shopper getting stocked up for the opening week tells of being restricted on the number of chickens he was allowed to buy in a Jordan food market. Five chickens exceeded his allowance, apparently.
Night life in Syria: It is customary to see people out and about in the old city of Damascus and areas that are usually only frequented by day or working hours come alive at night. Children find excitement in being allowed to stay up later and spend time with the family.
“Shisha” cafes to luxurious tents: The Ramadan Tent is a staple in the UAE during the Holy Month for Iftar (or break of fast) to 'Suhur' (eating before the start of fast- often late night, into the dawn hours). People congregate in special tents- a fashion that peaked early 2000s in Lebanon.
Dry month: countries that thrive on the touristic and summer commerce will feel the effects. Morocco expects reduction of alcohol sales in summer time. Still in Morocco the joy of the month buoys them up: they decorate or renovate their houses in happy anticipation for the reception of Ramadan.
Decline in film production and economic factors in the region might mean frivolity is off the Ramadan menu: Will items as traditional Sufi dancing be replaced by political rallies and a more sombre mood to the season? Egypt's film and entertainment industry has been reportedly slipping off.
Ready for Ramadan: A supermarket owner in Damascus, reports that people have started stocking up on nonperishable foods as they brace themselves for an escalation in civil unrest during Ramadan with larger numbers of protesters expected on the streets.
Ramadan spirit of peace versus Revolutionary fever: Will the 'Friday rage' be tempered by the holy season? Or will the passion be galvanized by religious zeal? Protesters in Syria are planning on having much bigger demonstrations while people stay up late during the month and frequent mosques.
Ramadan is upon us. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year is set to have the longest fasting day of the fasting month in 26 years, according to experts. That is, 16 hours and 1 minute in Jordan. Also set for the hottest month of this summer with soaring temperatures.
Ramadan is upon us. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year is set to have the longest fasting day of the fasting month in 26 years, according to experts. That is, 16 hours and 1 minute in Jordan. Also set for the hottest month of this summer with soaring temperatures.
Ramadan 'Karim' (generous) as the customary greeting or blessing goes; or Ramadan Rations?; This Ramadan the scramble for food - similar to that which precedes any festivity or season holiday with frantic supermarket dashes- is more pronounced. Maybe due to instability felt in the region.
Ramadan 'Karim' (generous) as the customary greeting or blessing goes; or Ramadan Rations?; This Ramadan the scramble for food - similar to that which precedes any festivity or season holiday with frantic supermarket dashes- is more pronounced. Maybe due to instability felt in the region.
Egypt's 'Balah' or Date market feature of the Holy Month: This month the main 'date' to headline the season is 'January 25' Revolution. Formerly, traditional gimmicks for date sales had top dates named for favorite celebrities. This year 'Revolutionary dates' usurped the Nancy and Haifa versions.
Egypt's 'Balah' or Date market feature of the Holy Month: This month the main 'date' to headline the season is 'January 25' Revolution. Formerly, traditional gimmicks for date sales had top dates named for favorite celebrities. This year 'Revolutionary dates' usurped the Nancy and Haifa versions.
Night owls' late shopping: People are active at night and the markets operate later hours to suit the consumers' schedules and activity, much like late night Christmas shopping. This hubbub marks the slight reversal of day to night for the community who become more active after the break of fast.
Night owls' late shopping: People are active at night and the markets operate later hours to suit the consumers' schedules and activity, much like late night Christmas shopping. This hubbub marks the slight reversal of day to night for the community who become more active after the break of fast.
Ramadan lights: In countries like Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition. While in Saudi Arabia, markets continue to operate uncharacteristically late.
Ramadan lights: In countries like Egypt, lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition. While in Saudi Arabia, markets continue to operate uncharacteristically late.
Shopping frenzy : Reports off the street of rationing of food supplies in Jordan this Ramadan as one shopper getting stocked up for the opening week tells of being restricted on the number of chickens he was allowed to buy in a Jordan food market. Five chickens exceeded his allowance, apparently.
Shopping frenzy : Reports off the street of rationing of food supplies in Jordan this Ramadan as one shopper getting stocked up for the opening week tells of being restricted on the number of chickens he was allowed to buy in a Jordan food market. Five chickens exceeded his allowance, apparently.
Night life in Syria: It is customary to see people out and about in the old city of Damascus and areas that are usually only frequented by day or working hours come alive at night. Children find excitement in being allowed to stay up later and spend time with the family.
Night life in Syria: It is customary to see people out and about in the old city of Damascus and areas that are usually only frequented by day or working hours come alive at night. Children find excitement in being allowed to stay up later and spend time with the family.
“Shisha” cafes to luxurious tents: The Ramadan Tent is a staple in the UAE during the Holy Month for Iftar (or break of fast) to 'Suhur' (eating before the start of fast- often late night, into the dawn hours). People congregate in special tents- a fashion that peaked early 2000s in Lebanon.
“Shisha” cafes to luxurious tents: The Ramadan Tent is a staple in the UAE during the Holy Month for Iftar (or break of fast) to 'Suhur' (eating before the start of fast- often late night, into the dawn hours). People congregate in special tents- a fashion that peaked early 2000s in Lebanon.
Dry month: countries that thrive on the touristic and summer commerce will feel the effects. Morocco expects reduction of alcohol sales in summer time. Still in Morocco the joy of the month buoys them up: they decorate or renovate their houses in happy anticipation for the reception of Ramadan.
Dry month: countries that thrive on the touristic and summer commerce will feel the effects. Morocco expects reduction of alcohol sales in summer time. Still in Morocco the joy of the month buoys them up: they decorate or renovate their houses in happy anticipation for the reception of Ramadan.
Decline in film production and economic factors in the region might mean frivolity is off the Ramadan menu: Will items as traditional Sufi dancing be replaced by political rallies and a more sombre mood to the season? Egypt's film and entertainment industry has been reportedly slipping off.
Decline in film production and economic factors in the region might mean frivolity is off the Ramadan menu: Will items as traditional Sufi dancing be replaced by political rallies and a more sombre mood to the season? Egypt's film and entertainment industry has been reportedly slipping off.
Ready for Ramadan: A supermarket owner in Damascus, reports that people have started stocking up on nonperishable foods as they brace themselves for an escalation in civil unrest during Ramadan with larger numbers of protesters expected on the streets.
Ready for Ramadan: A supermarket owner in Damascus, reports that people have started stocking up on nonperishable foods as they brace themselves for an escalation in civil unrest during Ramadan with larger numbers of protesters expected on the streets.
Ramadan spirit of peace versus Revolutionary fever: Will the 'Friday rage' be tempered by the holy season? Or will the passion be galvanized by religious zeal? Protesters in Syria are planning on having much bigger demonstrations while people stay up late during the month and frequent mosques.
Ramadan spirit of peace versus Revolutionary fever: Will the 'Friday rage' be tempered by the holy season? Or will the passion be galvanized by religious zeal? Protesters in Syria are planning on having much bigger demonstrations while people stay up late during the month and frequent mosques.

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