Ramadan begins tomorrow. I had assumed that the arrival of the new moon would be predictable to the exact second, but there appears to be disagreement amongst my neighbours whether fasting must start Thursday or Friday. I asked whether the moon has to be seen from here or from Mecca, and apparently a local sighting is required. I wonder what will happen if the sky is cloudy?
The start date of Ramadan is important for a large proportion of the world. My particular interest is trivial, in that it has consequences for plans to celebrate my birthday, also tomorrow. Food must not be taken until after night prayers. So all that jelly and ice cream and the large cake (I am confident my fellow volunteers are preparing one for me) may have to wait until the sun has set.
A very happy birthday to you Jus. May your cake be large – and shared with many friends
Comment by Richard Walker — September 12, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
Hi Jus – hope you have a lovely birthday and sorry that we’re not there to share it with you. We’ll have a cake in your absence to celebrate (your birthday – not the absence) and raise a glass or two of the sparkly stuff (mineral water of course) and perhaps put some Christmas lights inside wine bottles for old times sake and think of you. Not quite swimming in France and followed by beakers of wine at the port but I’m sure your Gambian celebration will be suitably salubrious. Happy Birthday.
Comment by Alex — September 13, 2007 @ 3:09 pm