PART 5: VISITING SOMALIA

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Ramadan in Somalia


Several things to say about fasting during Ramadan in Somalia. There's the good and the bad as with all things.

The good thing about Ramadan in Somalia? It's easier to fast in Somalia than in Canada: the fast is shorter with the sun setting earlier (around 6 pm instead of around 9) and there is no temptation to eat; everyone is fasting and if they aren't, they're not open about it. In addition, all the restaurants are closed until it's time to eat so you won't see anyone eating when you go outside. Furthermore, there isn't any food in the house to tempt you - people buy fresh food everyday from the market. I also love hearing the multiple aathans (call to prayer) at every prayer from the mosques in the area. There's no need to check the time to see if it's time to pray or set an alarm to wake up for Fajr. I found that I'm able to pray on time more.

On the flipside, despite being in a Muslim country, I don't feel...very spiritual this Ramadan because I can't even go to the mosque to pray Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers or attend any lectures. Women rarely go to the mosque. They are not even expected to. There are very few mosques that have space for women to pray. Even so, women still don't attend Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers because it's not safe to be out late at night. The police stop women who are outside late at night, force them to go with them at gunpoint, and take them somewhere where they are raped. How messed up is that?


And the worse thing about Ramadan in Somalia? Being here during this month. How ironic. Ramadan is the most dangerous time to be here. People occasionally get killed every now and then (let's not forget that Somalia is still unsafe and is a warzone!) but it happens every day in Ramadan - a holy month where people are supposed to be doing things like focus on worshipping the Creator, giving charity, being kind to others, etc. Everyday there are shootings and bombings. How pathetic and disgusting. But what can I expect from a country still in the clutches of civil war and violence?


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