Discipline and containment

6pm, the sunset starts. Meanwhile, families gather around the table, ready to enjoy a copious dinner after a whole day without eating or drinking anything. This is iftar, the meal when people break the fast during Ramadan, the holy month in Islam, which started on May 6th. This is the first time I am in a Muslim country during this event, which affects everyone’s life, regardless each one’s religion.

 

Fasting or sawn is the most known characteristic in this period and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. It starts at dawn, right after the suhur, a strong breakfast to resist the rest of the day, and it ends with the sunset. During this time, eating, drinking (even water) and having sexual relationships are forbidden for the Muslims. Elderly people with health problems, pregnant women and children younger than 12 years old are exempt from this practice. Besides fasting, the Muslims also celebrate these days of sacrifice and spirituality, performing good deeds, helping the most needy people and giving alms, action known as zakat, another pillar of the Islamic religion, which happens more often these days.

 

Donation of food organized by Thai Embassy

About my daily life, in this month we have a reduced work schedule and less students in the classrooms. The shops also modify their opening time these days and some of them close completely during the whole month. The obligation to stop eating and drinking during daytime is also applied to Non-Muslim people. Any person, regardless his/her religion, who can be seen breaking the fast or smoking in the streets or any other public place can be penalized with a 100 KD (almost 300 euros) fine and one month in jail. mes de cárcel.

Many shops and supermarkets offer discounts during this month

But, beyond the restrictions related to Ramadan, I would like to highlight that it is also a good occasion to celebrate meetings with relatives and friends, where happiness, generosity and solidarity truly reign. This happens almost everyday after sunset. In part, it can be perceived as something equivalent to our Christmas events in our Western countries. Certainly, it is worthy to attend some of these celebrations if you have the chance and sharing the moment.

¡Ramadan Kareem for everyone!

Jordanian marvels (and III): Biblical routes

One of the main attractions in Jordan is the existence of many landmarks related to Bible.Thousands of visitors come every year to this country in order to put their feet inside the river where Jesus Christ was supposedly baptized, to visit the cave where Lot took refuge after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, or to sight the castle where King Herod governed. In our last day of our trip, we decided to contact a local guide, Ammar, with who toured part of these historical sites.

Out starting point was the city of Madaba, half an hour away from Amman, famous for the Orthodox church of Saint George. This sanctuary hosts a great Mosaic of 6th century, on the ground right in front of the main altar, with a map of the Holy Land, including locations such as Jerusalem, Jericho or Bethlehem. Madaba is also known because of its artisan workshops where they make precious mosaics. We bought one representing the Tree of Life, main symbol of the city, as a souvenir from this trip.

Near Madaba is the Mount Nebo, other of the key places in the biblical story well worth visiting. From the top, about 800 meters above sea level, the prophet Moses saw for the first time Canaan, the Promised Land, during his exodus from Egypt. On a clear day, it is possible to see Jerusalem and Jericho. Here there is a small church, the Basilica of Moses, built during Byzantine period, with interesting mosaics inside.

To finish the day, Ammar drove us to the banks of Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (422 meters below sea level), right on the border between Israel, Palestine and Jordan. Its main characteristic is that, due to the high concentration of salt, is almost impossible to dive so you can float without effort. It is recommended to be careful with the water, not letting it go to your eyes or mouth, and not spending too much time inside the sea due to risk of dehydration.

It is possible that, if you go with a guide, you can reach a kind of private resort, where you have to pay an entrance ticket of 20 JD for person. If you don’t have intention to stay too long, apart from a short bath and a couple of photos, and you don’t mind to wait till the hotel in Amman (or wherever you stay) for having a shower, it is better to look for any public beach (really close to this resort) where you can go for free.

Almost without realizing, we reached the end of our adventure in Jordan. A marvelous experience which left us more than satisfied. It was also a special trip because it was the first one we did together as a couple, having finally the opportunity to share our time and experiences in this context. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next one.