On Awakening

Head swims, body aches, eyes heavy with sleep.
Tears of remembrance, remorse, yearning.
Only so do hearts ignite.

On Fondness

Remembrance, not absence, makes the heart grow fonder

Layla tul Qadr

Our power comes in solitude
A revelation that taught us to recite
O Beloved, to spend a thousand months
in the reaches of a night

Muslim 'Day of Dignity' Observed in Baltimore

Nice story from the Baltimore Sun about Islamic Relief USA's Day of Dignity in Baltimore:

Under a printed head scarf and the warm sun, Candice Abdal-Rahim served hundreds of strangers food and drink that she could not sample until sundown.

She was observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by fasting and performing an act of charity at the annual Day of Dignity, a national effort organized by Islamic Relief and the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Serving others "makes the day go quicker," said Abdal-Rahim, a city schools administrator.

Image via Baltimore Sun

Indonesian Fashion scores Ramadan Hit

Via AFP:

JAKARTA — This Eid al-Fitr Muslim holiday, Malaysian Sharifa Ahmad is determined to make heads turn in her "Made in Indonesia" outfit -- a black flowing chiffon robe with embroidered neckline and matching headscarf hand stitched with Swarovski crystals.

"The dress is perfect for the holy day -- modest yet elegant. I'm definitely going to rock my little black Islamic dress," the 35-year-old civil servant told AFP.

Image via AFP

Ramadan 2010

Via Boston Globe's, The Big Picture, wonderful pictorial essay of Ramadan around the world:

Muslim men and women across the world are currently observing Ramadan, a month long celebration of self-purification and restraint. During Ramadan, the Muslim community fast, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sex between sunrise and sunset. Muslims break their fast after sunset with an evening meal called Iftar, where a date is the first thing eaten followed by a traditional meal. During this time, Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran, to give freely to those in need, and strengthen their ties to God through prayer. The goal of the fast is to teach humility, patience and sacrifice, and to ask forgiveness, practice self-restraint, and pray for guidance in the future. This year, Ramadan will continue until Thursday, September 9th.

Via Boston Globe's The Big Picture

American Muslims Gather to Break Fast

Via VOA:

The holy month of Ramadan is marked by fasting from dawn to dusk. Muslim Americans end each day of fasting with a festive meal known as Iftar. After a long day, they relax and share the rituals of Ramadan from sundown to the predawn hours.

Via VOA

Local Muslim families mix Ramadan's rituals with American culture

Story from Detroit Free Press:

In front of the fireplace in their Canton home, the Ahmed family has four shoeboxes, one for each of their kids, packed with small toys like "Star Wars" figures and Hot Wheels. They call them Ramadan boxes, an idea the parents came up with after noticing Christmas stockings.

Image: Detroit Free Press

Ramadan 2009 - The Big Picture

Absolutely beautiful photo essay in The Boston Globe about Ramadan...check it out:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/08/ramadan_2009.html