Yesterday I took a day off fasting, such a practice allowed if one makes up the day by fasting after Eid. Some purists attempt to make one feel guilty about the practice but that is their own need for dominance, control coupled with the need to criticize others. It is always important to remember, at all times, two essential and fundamental aspects of the Islamic Faith. 1) It is a religion of ease AND 2) the only person we are to please is Allah (SWT), not some snoopy acquaintance, oppressive employer, a social media so-called scholar.
I emerged from the day off with more dedication, more energy and more insight.
The breaking of the fast was unintended, not really planned or meant. It arose from an intense need for caffeine. Needed caffeine coursing through my veins. The need was expressed to POAG who had mercifully purchased a supply of Electrorush to replenish my exhausted supply She texted, asking if I was awake yet (I was and writing). She invited me to collect purchases made at three separate pharmacies – it seems the entire supply of Kohbar’s Electrorush is presently in my possession. We laughed together.
Me: I could kill for coffee right now – but I am a Ramadan- Fasting- Muslim. It is forbidden.
She: You can take a day off, have coffee and make up the day after Eid.
Me: You are a genius and a problem solver. I knew about this, but, in my weakened condition, forgot about it.
It became a joyous day, productive because of the renewed energy, then turning playful. This blog will contain both features.
First to speak of the productivity. The blog of March 28, 2024 was written yesterday on the productive day. It spoke of the rather accidental discovery of the coffee-table book Heart of Makkah. It offered relief permitting me to enjoy the Holy Site, far from the maddening crowds. It seemed a sign, a gift from Allah (SWT) allowing my solitary worship in own individual way. This morning found recognition of the individuality of worship in this simple language.
“Organized religion I think Islam is somewhat different in the sense that we do not have a head of religion. There are scholars and imams, but we can choose who we listen to and ultimately, the responsibility for knowing what’s right or wrong lies with ourselves… How someone practices their faith does not fall to any so called ‘caliph’ or ‘leader’. It falls to the individual.”
My individual observance of Ramadan continued today, opening the book to find the Introduction which I shall share.
“Makkah, Saudi Arabia is the historic heart and spiritual center of Islam. Situated in the Makkah Valley, it was home to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) prior to his migration to Madinah and close to a mountain cave where the Angel Gabriel first appeared to out blessed Prophet with verses of the Blessed Quran.
For all pilgrims a visit to Makkah is the most important religious and spiritual journey of their lives with the majority undertaking the journey as part of the annual Hajj- a spiritual understanding that is incumbent on all Muslims who have the means to so so. Aside from Muslim, people of Faiths from across the world have appreciation for this holy city and the holy Kaaba, the house of worship the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael (peace be upon him build).
It is hoped readers will be able to visualize the growth of Makkah over the centuries, and its increasing importance for both Muslims and people of other faiths. As God promised, a mighty nation of innumerable numbers of men, woman and children came from one family – the family of Abraham, Hajar and Ishmael. And it is from their descendants that a mighty faith came into being.
As you view the development and progress of this Holy Mosque and its precious Kaaba and as you see the current exemption projects that are being undertaken by his Royal Highness King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud, pray to the Almighty that you are blessed and encouraged in your own journey of faith.
This humble one- as someone born in Makkah-had an opportunity to photograph the Sacred Precinct over a number of years; it was during this time that I had the opportunity to perform Tawaf, drink from the sacred water of Zamazm, and enter the Kaaba to offer prayers and participate in the annual washing ceremony. Khalid Khidr A son of Holy Makkah).”
I will share my journey through this book with you. As I glanced at the chapter headings admittedly I did wish I had read the book prior to my Umrah, greater knowledge would have made the experience fuller, more meaningful.
The day of unintentional break in fasting was accompanied by unintended playfulness – by unintentionally creating an Alexis Avatar, then intentionally sending it to my WhatsApp people. I took screenshots of conversations, not knowing how to place covers nations on an email.
Unintentional means not done on purpose, using its synonyms I could say that the inadvertent break in fasting was accompanied by serendipitous playfulness – unwittingly creating an Alexis Avatar, then consciously and voluntarily sending it to friends on WhatsApp. Conversations were both by chance and some were deliberate.
What follows is a sampling.
I am miffed (shall we say) at someone. Sent an Angry Alexis with the message. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” That was premeditated. Certain to not get a reply to that one – do not care.
Miffed shall be the word of the day, a rather playful word meaning: somewhat annoyed; peeved. It has many amusing synonyms: piqued, riled, nettled, vexed, irked, put out, in a huff, fed up, peeved,, browned off, hacked off, cheesed off, not best pleased, sore. Think of how much fun it is to say to an obnoxious individual, I am cheesed off with you, in a huff with you, browned off with you. I am angry with you, too blunt.
Also sent some to the giver of the Makkah book who never responds to messages. No anticipation that he will this time. I could say I am fed up with you, peeved, sore and put out that you never respond. I would probably never get another gift from him but probably won’t anyway. The others were playful, but the giving and the receiving messages. The attached screen shots may liven up you day. They did mine.
Ordered room service, sending photo to friends saying Mission Accomplished.
HeL That looks great. Hope that God blesses you and your food.
Me: God did. The fast begins again within minutes. Alhamduillah. I am truly blessed.
He: Alhamdulillah. Always Inshallah.
Me: I keep forgetting Inshallah – thank you for reminding me. Of course Inshallah. It is always in the back of my mind does does not make it to the front all of the time. Hahahah
He: It is a habit at this point I say it unintentionally. Haha
Me: So funny you should use the word unintentional. It is the word of the day on the blog. That and miffed.
He: Interesting.
Me: So coincidental to be extraordinary.
My worship is solitary and private, however, as you see, in the screen shots and hearing exchanges between people, there are aspects of the faith, constantly and continually shared. This is the joy of living in Saudi Arabia – the faith is interwoven, a part of everything and everybody. This is not true of Muslim-minority countries, nor even some Muslim-majority countries. That is why I am so happy to be here now, in this time and in this place. Alhamdulillah.
Only an hour until FOOD and coffee.
