... and I really don't want it to. Ramadan is probably the only month I feel very happy and peaceful in it despite it being very busy for me. So much trouble with preparing food *even though it's in small amounts lol* but that aside the spiritual aspect of it totally makes up for it. I love how people are connecting more with one another, how there are more family gatherings and specially in the last ten days when hundreds and thousands observe the 'Qiyam' prayers in the heart of night in big mosques. So much tranquility and peace of mind you don't find it in any other time of the year and this is why I feel sad it's going to be over soon *besides I don't like Eid so I don't want it to come, it reminds me of how miserable I am orz*

On 1st Ramadan which coincided with 1st Sept. LJ writer's block posted a question that went like: "Ramadan begins this week. How do you and/or your family celebrate month nine of the Islamic calendar? How are the events of the month important to you?"

I was glad LJ posted this question because it meant they ackknowledge my religion and respect it but after reading the answers I wished if LJ didn't do it. The sheer amount of ignorant and hateful replies made me want to smack those idiot racists with a big stick. I can't believe that in a world where resources are available for researching, there are still so many ignorant people walking on this earth and I really can't understand the reason why so many people hate Islam. I know many Muslims aren't the perfect example of my religion but if you observe closely, this percentage of people happen to be ones who weren't brought up islamically therefor their actions shouldn't be taken as a representation of Islam. The are Muslims by name only. Practicing Muslims are very different and only those who've actually interacted with one have changed their views about Islam.
If anyone of you happen to be the hateful type or the ignorant, I encourage you to view this video. It won't take more than 10 minutes of your life and it might be an eye opener for you.



And please, don't give me the religion is for idiots thing. I'm not writing this to offend anyone. I love you all despite our differences. I just wish that everyone in this world would put aside their differences and concenterate more on their similarites. After all, we are all human beings and the moment you start looking at fellow people with this thought in mind you'll realize that there is nothing different between any one of us.

This said, here are some very beautiful images from Boston.com depicting Ramadan in various parts of the world.
I heartfully thank Boston.com and their photographers for their effort in showing the true essence of this month and Hime Hikari for sharing them on her LJ.




( 5 more photos inside )

For the rest of the images, please, click here. I promise you they are all worth your bandwidth and time.

If you'd like to know more about Ramadan or Islam in general, you can always use wikipedia or check out this site for more comprehensive information. Also, here are some very interesting reads in case anyone out there is interested.
I'm not promoting Islam here not trying to influence anyone lol 8D.
I'm just tired of seeing ignorant people not reading enough and making stupid statements about things they know nothing of other than what other hateful sites or news sources are telling them.

Aaaaaaaaargh *pulls hair*, I seem to be complaining a little too much these days and I'm afraid it won't stop as long as there are stupid people on this earth. Isn't it like this for you guys too ? I'm sure you understand my need to vent .__.!