Ramadan in Literature

[Ranoo]

hello everybody,
Ramadan is a significant setting in the talented Egyptian author Ihassan AbdulQudous’s novel A Man in Our House “Fe Bitena Rajul”.

Do you remember Melville’s Moby Dick?
Ramadan is the name of one of the chapters.

Also there are lots of Arabian poems about Ramadan.

Whatever the reason behind mentioning Ramadan, either because it is a religious or social occasion….etc., or whatever the Purpose, do you think we can understand or have a faithful vision about such Cultural and religious phenomena when it is described by someone from the same culture or from an outsider “the other”?

http://www.muhajabah.com/ramadan-poems.htm

[Zybahn]

Very interesting question. I would think it can work better/worse either way, depending on one's motive for discussing the topic. I remeber Verne wrote about Ramadan in Eighty Days Around the World but for comic effect, while Melville tends to be dry and serious, incorporating his ideas to illustrate more global notions (and we understand his need to portray the vast multi-cultural aspects of America). An outsider has the advantage to be able to describe cultural phenomena objectively, yet having the ability does not necessarily lead to a broad world-view, and outsiders tend to describe any form of phenomena within their own cultural, prejudiced context, whether they intend to or not. The insider cannot tear away completely from their upbringing, innate and conscious, to overcome resentments or attachments that are an integral part of their being.

Of course I'm speaking in broad terms, as some can be more successful than others in being fair, objective or impartial. I think it is important as a reader to be aware of where the writer/character is coming from and add salt whenever and wherever necessary.

I apologize for ranting, but you gave me food for thought and I appreciate it.

[River]

Speaking of Ramadan, tomorrow is probably the last day. I lost so much weight this year because I had to sleep early in order to wake up early for Uni. In the Muslim world, school timing change during Ramadan, to make fasting less strenuous and to enable people to stay up late to eat. But not my Uni. Nooo, they want to keep up with the work load. Damn medical school.

Anywho, thanks for the link, I'll definitely check that out.

[Ranoo]

Zybahn and River,
thanks for your comments:yawnb:


Of course I'm speaking in broad terms, as some can be more successful than others in being fair, objective or impartial. I think it is important as a reader to be aware of where the writer/character is coming from and add salt whenever and wherever necessary.
a well-said, i strongly agree

[blazeofglory]

hello everybody,
Ramadan is a significant setting in the talented Egyptian author Ihassan AbdulQudous’s novel A Man in Our House “Fe Bitena Rajul”.

Do you remember Melville’s Moby Dick?
Ramadan is the name of one of the chapters.

Also there are lots of Arabian poems about Ramadan.

Whatever the reason behind mentioning Ramadan, either because it is a religious or social occasion….etc., or whatever the Purpose, do you think we can understand or have a faithful vision about such Cultural and religious phenomena when it is described by someone from the same culture or from an outsider “the other”?

http://www.muhajabah.com/ramadan-poems.htm

I love Arabian tomes and Arabian music very much and indeed there is depth in them. They are really rich in culture.