Ramadan, Religious Pluralism, and the World Cup

Who knew that the holiest month in the Islamic calendar would bring so much excitement in Lebanon!

Coinciding with the World Cup games, Beirut, in all of its religious pluralism and soccer fanaticism, is bustling.

A busy, busy Beirut

The weather is absolutely beautiful as the sun shines and showers the country in its glory.  As schools come to completion for the year, streets are filled with children playing and families gathering.

Ramadan (holy month of fasting for Muslims) takes over the city, even in its religious pluralism, the holy month is welcomed by all.

Beaches are now open for sunbathers and families.  Café patios fill with customers throughout the day and into the late hours of the night, while Ramadan blessings fill homes.

Summer is on the horizon and the 90 degree days continue.

It is so beautiful to see how Ramadan fills the streets of Beirut with activities for families.  Mosques conduct taraweeh (extra prayers performed by Sunni Muslims each night of Ramadan) in the mosques over external speakers.  Muslims are eager to visit one another and break bread, together.

Religious harmony

There is splendor in this holy month that fills the air. Sitting with friends of all faiths in Lebanon, Ramadan and the respect people have for one another, transcends religious lines.

Christian, Druze, and Agnostic friends welcome neighboring Muslim families into their homes, preparing iftar (breaking of fast) for them.

This is the Lebanon I know and love.  Harmonious in its religious diversity and welcoming in its hospitality.

Though I am here without my immediate family, this Ramadan has brought peace to my soul.

Lights, Camera, Action!

On Saturday evening, my friend Fatima and I took her teenage daughter and friend to downtown Beirut after iftar.

The hosts organize activities, pop-up shops, and special guests on the main stage.  It’s fun for all ages.

Cultural performances, well known musicians, and surprise giveaways keep thousands of attendees circling Nejmeh Square.  Located in the heart of downtown Beirut, activities begin post iftar.

In a country where electricity is scarce, the square is lit up like Rockefeller Center at Christmas.  Yet, the majority of the nation suffers without electricity 24/7.  I find this humorous.

But hey, that’s Lebanon!

*This is where I would insert the shoulder shrug emoji and eyeroll*

Cameras and news stations fill the square each evening.  They engage with attendees of all faiths and nationalities.

It’s lovely to hear the feedback of attendees that capture the Ramadan spirit.  Even more so because they are people of all faiths.

World Cup Hysteria

I drive through the streets of the city and watch young men on mopeds waving flags, shouting and whistling, their cars draped in memorabilia of Coupe du Monde (World Cup) teams.

Cafes on every corner are filled to the brim as people watch games on the big screens.

I have been in Lebanon during the last two World Cup series.  The energy that fills the country during this time is abundant.

So many people are consumed by soccer.  It is as important as a religious holiday!

From the wealthy to the poor, soccer brings everyone together.  It is fascinating to watch.

For many, soccer is the one thing that brings joy to their lives.

(My favorite local spot, Ka3kaya, located in the Hamra district on Makdisi Street.)

Reveling in the environment

Ramadan is a fantastic experience in Beirut during the late spring season.

As lights twinkle from awnings and embellish busy streets to Ramadan greetings on banners across highways throughout the country, the vivacity is one to physically witness.

In my dua this evening I will ask God to bless Lebanon and those who choose to bring joy to the lives of others.

I hope that people will choose to live in harmony instead of being divisive.