A True Ramadan Story of Forgiveness

During this month of April, I am fasting with my Muslim husband, even though I myself am not Muslim. I do it, despite the 100 degree heat, despite the caffeine withdrawal headaches I get, despite the constant grumblings of my stomach.  I do it because I love him and respect him, and I personally feel that it would be insensitive for me to eat in front of him while he is fasting.

Many people around the world have very little knowledge about Islam and its teachings. So I thought I would share a real life example of what being a Muslim is during this holy month of Ramadan.  What follows is the true story of a man who lives his religion through his actions.  This is the REAL Islam.

In 2001, Rais Bhuiyan was a 28 year old Dallas resident, an immigrant from Bangladesh. He had been an officer in the Bangladesh Air Force and then found himself studying computer technology in New York City.  He later moved to Dallas at the urging of a friend who offered him a partnership in his gas station. 

Mark Stroman, also of Dallas, was a 31 year old lifelong career criminal, meth addict and a white supremacist.  After the 9/11 attacks, Stroman decided to take revenge and went out armed with the intent of killing any Arab/Muslim looking men he came upon, targeting convenience stores.  He murdered 46 year old Waqar Hasan, a Pakistani immigrant, in a grocery store. 

A few days later (10 days after 9/11) Stroman again went out looking for revenge at a gas station convenience store in Dallas.   Rais Bhuiyan was working behind the counter.  Stroman raised his shotgun,  shot Bhuiyan in the face, and fled. Bhuiyan was severely injured but still alive. A couple of weeks later, Stroman shot and killed an Indian immigrant, Vasudev Patel, age 49, in nearby Mesquite, TX.  Patel was not even Muslim; he was Hindu. Not one of these three men were Arabs either.

Fortunately Stroman was soon captured. From his jail cell, he proudly spoke to news stations about what a great patriot he was for exacting his revenge on Muslims – innocent Muslims who had nothing at all to do with the events of 9/11.  Stroman was tried for murder, was found guilty, and was sentenced to death.

Meanwhile Bhuiyan was bankrupted and left deep in debt from his medical bills. He had to endure countless surgeries and permanently lost the sight in one of his eyes. He still lives with over 35 pellets in his face to this day. 

Forgiveness is a major teaching of Islam. Islam also says that saving one human life is the same as saving all of mankind. So despite all the pain and hardships Bhuiyan had endured, he chose to forgive Stroman for what he had done. But not only that, Bhuiyan also took up the cause to save Stroman from the death penalty, filing a lawsuit to try to stop the execution.

Because of Bhuiyan’s actions, Stroman finally expressed his remorse over what he had done. However Bhuiyan’s attempt to save his attacker failed. Stroman was executed in 2011.  A documentary film called “An Eyefor an Eye” was released in 2016 about this tragic true story.

Before his death, Stroman was quoted as saying “I have the Islamic Community joining in my legal defence, spearheaded by one very remarkable man named Rais Bhuiyan, who is a survivor of my hate. His deep Islamic beliefs gave him the strength to forgive the unforgiveable. That is truly inspiring to me and should be an example for us all. The hate has to stop. We are all in this world together.”

Leading by example, Rais Bhuiyan today works to make this world a better place for everyone and trying to save mankind in his own way. He started his own non-profit organization called World Without Hate, spreading his message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Sources: 

Rais Bhuiyan, American: If someone shot you in the face and left you for dea, would you try to save his life?  Esquire Magazine article, Dec 2011

20 Years After a White Supremacist Almost Killed Him, He's Dedicated His Life to Changing Hearts 

Rais Bhuiyan - Wikipedia

Mark Anthony Stroman - Wikipedia

WEEKEND ROUNDUP - LETTER "Z"

STARTS WITH "Z" - ZAKAT IS ONE OF THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM. IT IS AN ISLAMIC OBLIGATION TO BE CHARITABLE TO THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE.

"ZIPPY" - NO ABAYA AND WEARING ZEBRA. 

I'D SAY THAT'S PRETTY "ZIPPY" FOR SAUDI ARABIA!

A FAVORITE - "ZAATAR" - A TASTY MIDDLE EASTERN MIXTURE OF VARIOUS HERBS AND SPICES, LIKE OREGANO, THYME, SUMAC, SAVORY & SESAME SEEDS, USED IN BREAD DISHES.

ANOTHER FAVORITE "Z" PIC - COLORFUL ZINNIAS

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LINKING TO - THE WEEKEND ROUNDUP

FRIDAY BLISS

 

AROUND THE MECCA REGION

OLD STYLE SAUDI DECOR IN AL BALAD

BELAJIO RESTAURANT ON THE WATER IN JEDDAH

THE KAABA STONE IN THE HOLY CITY OF MECCA

Many thanks to my friend Abid Gary Jan for allowing me to share these photos. Abid shares his love for Jeddah & Saudi Arabia on his Facebook pages Jeddah Awaits You and Saudi Heritage & Tourism

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Beautiful Qurans

Last week I featured some beautiful stands made specifically for reading the Quran (or Koran), the holy book of Islam. Today's photos were taken in the same shop. They are beautiful Korans that come in a variety of colors decorated in intricate gold leaf designs.

Simpler, not so elegant versions of the Quran are also available.  They are also available in different sizes as well.   

 This post linke to - 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY   

THROUGH MY LENS

Minaret Styles

Minarets are easy to spot here in Saudi Arabia because they tower above buildings into the sky.  There are many different styles of minarets. 

Usually visible on the minarets are the speakers which broadcast the five times daily calls to prayer for all to hear.

Ali Had a Little Lamb

A lamb in the back of a pickup truck is a common sight here in Saudi Arabia, especially around the holidays. This past week was one of the two holidays here in the kingdom.  When the annual Hajj pilgrimage concludes, there is a celebration called Eid al-Adha, Feast of the Sacrifice.  Normally millions of Muslims come from all over the world to perform Hajj - but not this year, though, due to the virus. This year only Muslims within the kingdom were permitted to attend. International travel to and from the kingdom has been banned since March. 

About Eid al-Adha, according to Wikipedia - "It honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God's command. But, before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this intervention, an animal, usually a sheep, is sacrificed ritually. One third of its meat is consumed by the family offering the sacrifice, while the rest is distributed to the poor and needy. Sweets and gifts are given, and extended family are typically visited and welcomed."

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Happy Eid - Long Eared Goats

My husband took me to the largest Bird and Animal Souk/Market in Jeddah.  It is far south (we live north), so it was a bit of a trek to get there.  But it was definitely worth the long drive.  The souk has areas designated for different types of animals - all kinds of birds, rabbits, goats and lambs, and cows and camels.  There was especially an abundance of thousands of goats and lambs because today is a religious holiday called Eid al Adha - marking the celebration of the end of the annual pilgrimmage Hajj.  Traditionally families celebrate by sharing food with others, and a favorite is lamb and goat. 

Wishing my Muslim friends around the world a Happy Eid!

Prayer in Public in Sauidi Arabia

It's always fascinating to me to see people gathered together for prayer here in Saudi Arabia. While there are mosques every few blocks, many people just pray wherever they happen to be. In business areas, there are designated places where worshippers meet to pray together. 

Both photos in today's post were taken a few years ago before the Coronavirus situation.  Mosques here have been reopened after having been closed for months, but as far as I understand, admission is limited, social distancing measures are in place inside the mosques, and lingering after prayers conclude is not allowed. 

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah Airport Road Sign

Jeddah's airport has four terminals - North, South, New, and Hajj.  Right now due to the Corona Virus, all international flights have been suspended indefinitely.  Some domestic flights resumed a few weeks ago.  The annual Hajj pilgrimage, when Muslims around the world travel to Saudi Arabia's holy cities of Makkah and Medina, will be different this year. Only Muslims who are already within Saudi Arabia will be allowed to attend in an attempt to curb the virus. 

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Eid Mubarak from Saudi Arabia

Wishing my Muslim friends and families around the world a wonderful Eid Mubarak!

Public Prayer Rug

If one is observant when walking around the city, it is easy to spot rolled up prayer rugs outside of businesses in public, waiting to be used for the next prayer by whoever wants to use it.  

Our World - Incognito

While many women in Saudi Arabia have dispensed with their veils and some are even letting their hair down, others are still clinging to what they are used to and are comfortable with - being fully covered in public places.  These women were also wearing black gloves the entire time in this restaurant, considered by some to be rather extreme.  They all ate with the veils on, which can't be easy to do. I've seen other veiled women in restaurants who remove the veils when they eat and then put them back on when they are finished.  As far as I understand, there is nothing in Islam that requires women to cover their faces or their hands specifically.  There are, of course, many differences in interpretations as to how modest women should appear when in public.

These women are waiting patiently for a table in a popular restaurant on a weekend. Eating out has become very trendy here, like in many places around the globe. 

Even though they are veiled, their personalities and friendliness shine through.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Sharshaf Salah - Women's Prayer Dress

Muslim women usually pray at home, and when they do, they usually throw on a special dress for prayer over the normal clothing they are wearing. In Saudi Arabia, this prayer dress is called "Sharshaf Salah."   For prayer, Islam requires that women cover every part of their bodies except the face and the hands.

The sharshaf comes in many different styles and fabrics, and is most often a one piece loose flowing garment, including an attached scarf or hood to cover the hair.  They can be found in most souks and are reasonably priced.

Jeddah Closed Shops - and Trust

Here in the land of Islam, it is not unusual to see small shops closed up with mere fabric draped over the entryway or the products, instead of some kind of lock and key set up. 

Theft is not very common here and that might be because of the threat of stiffer punishments for breaking the law.  Many small shopowners trust that their wares will be left alone and remain undisturbed until they open back up. 

SkyWatch - Jeddah's Supplication Sculpture

This marble sculpture of praying hands is called "The Supplication."  Of Jeddah's many sculptures, this one falls under the theme of religion.  The Supplication sculpture is the work of Mahmoud Banat, an Egyptian artist.

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Ramadan Shopping Mall Windows

Ramadan is a month long observance when Muslims fast during the daylight hours.  When the sun goes down each day, they break their fast and can eat and drink until the next morning right before dawn.  Many Muslims in Saudi Arabia actually reverse their days and nights and tend to sleep during the day when they are fasting and then stay up all night long when they can eat.  I don't believe this is a common practise in other Muslim countries. 

These are some more samples of window displays of Ramadan Greetings in shops in a local mall here in Jeddah.  

Ready for Ramadan

Ramadan starts soon and the supermarkets and malls are gearing up for the mad rush.  The mall shop windows are decorated and express their Ramadan Greetings.  Colors of choice seem to tend toward gold and blue, although there is no particular color theme (like Christmas tends toward red and green) that I am aware of for the holiest of Islamic months.  

The crescent moon is an important symbol for the month of Ramadan, as its sighting marks both the beginning and the end of the monthlong observance.  

Ramadan Accessories

Today's post features some more Ramadan themed housewares and decor.  First is a cute little teacup set featurng things like Vimto, the dallah, henna, and lanterns. 

The 2nd photo has a variety of pretty home decor items, while the last photo is of a Ramadan serving tray. 

OurWorld - Ramadan Serving Dishes

Ramadan will be starting soon, and there are hints of its arrival all over.  Ramadan is Islam's holy month when Muslims fast during the day.  Over the years, Ramadan seems to have become more commercialized, much like Christmas has in the west, with Ramadan themed dishes, lighting, decorations, and other items available.

Here are a few of the crescent moon shaped serving dishes I saw recently at Al Nawras Housewares Shop at Shatie Souk.  The crescent moon is significant for Ramadan in that its sighting marks the beginning and then also the end of the Ramadan season.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.