Oman Daily Observer

Sharing moments and rituals...

- An author, columnist, creative writer, translator and a communicat­ions profession­al

Generally, people are sociable by nature and very much like to celebrate different occasions and enjoy the good moments together. The yearly calendar is full of various moments and days, some of which are very special either to us or loved ones and even those publicly celebrated festivitie­s. Probably, joining family members, friends, colleagues or neighbours to commemorat­e one of those celebratio­ns or just for the sake of enjoying being together are just to name a few reasons to join the crowd and celebrate gettogethe­rs.

Thus, there are many of those special days and moments, which bring social and spiritual impact on people’s personal and social life alike. Though, people experience a different impact when moments sometimes happen during seasonal or spiritual period of time in the year. Case in a point, the holy month of Ramadhan comes on top of the distinguis­hed seasons of celebratio­n. Ramadhan signifies more of people getting together than other times of the year.

For that reason, Ramadhan is becoming a month during which people usually practice many rituals and learn significan­t values such as patience, giving, mercy and compassion. Most importantl­y, it is a month about appreciati­ng, reviving and strengthen­ing relations between people. The spirit of Ramadhan essentiall­y brings the strong feeling of sharing togetherne­ss and being close to family in particular.

As a matter of fact, Ramadhan is of high significan­ce for Muslim communitie­s all over the world. This month is basically about sharing spiritual moments of Ramadhan with others. Family relatives, friends, colleagues and neighbours are mostly the ones we share moments of joy and spirituali­ty with. The importance of sharing moments in Ramadhan is marked through different forms of gatherings some of which are during iftar (breaking fast), Taraweeh prayers (special religious ritual in Ramadhan) and evening meetings where most people are spending their night time together by exchanging visits.

Men, for instance, prefer to break their fast together in Masjids with other Muslims regardless of their nationalit­y, language or origin. What brings them all together is being all brothers of Islam and practicing their worship and religious rituals similarly as Muslim brothers. Such scenario mirrors the commendabl­e unity and harmony of Muslims, just in one religious ritual, which is always observed wherever they converge and meet for prayers and worship the Almighty Allah.

Another thrilling situation of people’s interest to frequently get together during Ramadhan is the daily commuting to hometown. Some people like those who work outside their hometowns commute everyday back and forth to home just to have the pleasure of breaking their fast with their families and loved ones. They intend not to miss the lovely moments of sharing iftar with family, not even for a single day. For those ‘homesick’ people especially during Ramadhan, it is a unique feeling indeed as they set around their relatives or loved ones at home enjoying the spirit of Ramadhan together during iftar, dinner or Suhur (late meal before the dawn). Being at home at such times is one of the much-liked experience­s that people strive hard not to miss during Ramadhan.

Friends and workmates also portray another image of sharing spiritual moments of Ramadhan together. Every now and then, they come together to break their fast, have dinner or spend their evening either at home or outside. For them, Ramadhan is a significan­t occasion to meet, share moments and spirits and strengthen their ties.

Ramadhan is always a great time for togetherne­ss and experienci­ng the tradition of sharing moments and social and religious rituals as well. All the enjoyable moments that people share with family, friends, colleagues or neighbours will definitely etch in their minds and last forever. They will be stored in the box of memories and will be recalled someday in the years to come. Just remember that life is not what we gain, but what we give for others; the moments you share with others are what really matters.

RAMADHAN IS A GREAT TIME FOR TOGETHERNE­SS AND EXPERIENCI­NG THE TRADITION OF SHARING MOMENTS AND SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS RITUALS AS WELL

 ?? ?? Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami aljahdhami­22@gmail.com
Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami aljahdhami­22@gmail.com

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