Ramadan Blog Post Day 1 (belated)

(This is a belated posting which I ought to have written up yesterday…)

Every year I mean to write a Ramadan series  – something posted every day to track my progress, and share my thoughts. It is one of those tasks that as a writer I want to do to help me make sense of the month for myself, and to reflect on my feelings, experiences and actions. It is less about sharing lessons or morals, it's not about sermonising, but about unravelling some mysteries along the way. And if it resonates with others out there, then so much the better.

But of course (as life tends to be), I missed the boat. I wondered: should I not embark on the endeavour? It seemed already like a life lesson to be learnt. In previous years if I've missed the beginning, I wouldn't have bothered.  This year, I'm trying a new tack: something better than nothing, better late than never.  It's a day lost – but still (up to) 29 to go.

So here are my first thoughts, and structure for the rest of the month.

Qur'an count: first half juz.

Ramadan thought for the day: ooh, I like Ramadan!

Ramadan activities for today: try to call relatives to wish "Ramadan Mubarak."

I thought I'd also share this quote from Rumi: There is an unseen sweetness in the stomach's emptiness. We are lutes. When the soundbox is filled, no music can come forth. When the brain and the belly burn from fasting, every moment a new song rises out of the fire. The mists clear, and a new vitality makes you spring up the steps before you. Be empty and cry as a reed instrument. Be empty and write secrets with a reed pen. When satiated by food and drink, an unsightly metal statue is seated where your spirit should be. When fasting, good habits gather like helpful friends. Fasting is Solomon's ring. Don't give in to illusion and lose your power. But even when will and control have been lost, they will return when you fast, like soldiers appearing out of the ground, or pennants flying in the breeze.

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