Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or arramad intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root there is ramada, sun-baked sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire (1, 1996). Thus, Ramadan is called to indicate the heating sensation in t

Ramadan is the perfect example of how different yet similar our American culture is to Islamic culture because it shows that the overall views of our holidays are alike: religion, community togetherness, and family. Since Iraq is definitely not modernized and there are no states, villages are heavily relied on to keep the people safe and healthy. Islam is a way of life. Today, the Muslim world as well as Iraq is faced with drought, military aggression, and widespread corruption. Ramadan is a way to show Allah that he is why a Muslim person lives everyday to its fullest. Elizabeth's description of Ramadan was the most compelling example of her being in a different society. It showed togetherness and family in the town of El Nahra. When Ramadan came around every year, you got the understanding that just about every second of the day was planned out to the exact minute and how everything should be done.

This paper discussed the history of Ramadan and how it is viewed through the eyes of a woman experiencing this somewhat unfamiliar holy month. I showed you by stating definitions of Ramadan, showing examples, and giving background information to what some of the meanings are. Ramadan from an outsiders perspective can be a little extensive to show you are faithful to your God, but that's what makes this world so special: we can all have different ways of showing our faith and love to god with one's differences being set aside.

The service began along with chanting and chest beating. A story was being retold of the killing and betrayal of the martyr Hussein, which is told every night during Ramadan and was stated that it is the beginning of the important part of the kraya. Women would weep every night after hearing this story. Elizabeth was, "Frozen by the intensity of it all, and hoping that none of the women, especially the mullah would notice I was sitting without beating my breast...in fact without participating at all (110, 1965)." When the service was over Elizabeth found it hard to believe that all these dignified women walking out were just five minutes ago weeping like "there was no tomorrow."

On the evening of the twenty-seventh day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. According to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year. When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the feast of fast breaking) where gifts are exchanged. Friends and Family gather to pray in congregation and eat large meals.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. In Guests of the Sheik (1956), Ramadan fell in April that year, which was particularly welcomed because it was a relatively cool month. Islamic feasts are calculated by the lunar calendar, so Ramadan falls during a different time each year. In July or August when the burning heat of summer comes, it was stated that it is a great har

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Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)