Ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us here in Kuwait (as well as the entire Muslim world).

There isn't a special date on calendar that says, "Ramadan begins" because the date is based on the moon and not on a specific date, however there are ways to know.

Some use the telescope to track the moon.

Masses make the trek to Mecca where they can pray at what Muslims believe to be the holiest of holy places.

Others listen to the prayer calls.

I however do not use any of these forms as Ramadan indicatiors. Let me tell you how I know when it's Ramadan:

When the entire state of Kuwait becomes this incredibly quiet, peaceful, sleeping baby of a ghost town each morning and afternoon.

That. That my friends is how you know Ramadan has arrived.

If you read my blog last year you know a little about my past experience with Ramadan, however, if you didn't, I'll quickly bring you up to speed.

Ramadan is an entire holy month for Muslims. During the month, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke, have sex (so ladies- you can use this one instead of the headache excuse if you need to)Ð'... do just about anything during all daylight hours. Every single restaurant in the entire country is closed (see- ghost town!) and most of the businesses and government offices work a mere 4 hours a day. In fact, my sister only has 5 hours of school each day! If a person is caught drinking water, chewing gum, smoking, etc. during daylight hours they are fined and sometimes jailed. It's a serious thing here and they don't play around. Thankfully we can eat and drink normally while we're on base.

The daylight in Kuwait during this month is such an eerie quiet. But thenÐ'... then the transformation occurs. Seriously, it's like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The sun goes down and as soon as the sun is gone from the horizon, the craziness begins. People gorge themselves, smoke packs of cigarettesÐ'... it's this huge all night celebration all the way until the sun rises sometimes! Crazy, huh? These Muslims know how to throw a party I guess. Anyhow, that's a quick summary or Ramadan.