This auspicious month

The hot topic of today seems to be none other than the recently arrived fasting season a.k.a. au suspicious month of Rama?aan (ﻥﺂﻀﻣﺭ).

Apparently, the month seems to have brought out a fundamental confusion in the religious system. Facinated to have the month start on entirely diverse dates (4th, 5th & 6th Oct 2005), people also have bothered to question the methodology by which the dates get determined. It is rather humourous that a bunch of people living in the same city to have started their fasting on different days. While one seems to have followed the book (ﻥﺁﺮﻗ), the other seems to have followed the Saudi Arabia (Saud's a rubs) and the others their own countries and so on. So much can be said about what is the authority in a religion.

In the Islamic Democratic Jumhooriyyathul Za'aamath of Dhivehi Raajje, the month started on the 4th. The country seems to be a front runner on this. And why not, the 'moon can be seen there everyday.

I took some excerpts for reference from the following contributing publications by respeted scholars who do research upon such dilemmas in this field.

• Same religion, different calendar?


• O Moon. Where art thou?


• Dieting season

What more can I say? I'm hungry. Big Mac Meal anyone?

Great expectations

Dear Mid Life Crisis,

How are you and I'm fine and hope you are fine too and all that stuff that nobody cares about.

That being put aside, I am writing to remind you of our upcoming appointment due in a year's time. During the aforementioned, I expect you not to drag me too far that it leaves skid marks of esteem all over my ego. Therefore, may I suggest a protocol to abide by duyring the period. The draft of the protocol may be submitted by either side, followed by valiant scrutinisation and then finally adoption and commitment to implementation.

Meanwhile, I will try to enjoy what is left of my youth and hope to avert any negatve side effects of the meeting. I look forward to a productive encounter.

Regards,
M.