Would Muslims Allow This to Happen to Ramadan?

In light of the recent discussions of Muslim-Christian relations, let me add to doubts surrounding relations among monotheistic faiths by asking why Christians let Jewish-American write the best Christmas songs. Most of the best songs that American shoppers hear while in stores and malls during the commercial season that Advent is supposed to turn into a form of devotion come from Jewish-American composers. And most of those songs have nothing to do with Christmas or Jesus. Think of “Let It Snow”:

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping
And I’ve bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss good night
How I’ll hate going out in the storm!
But if you’ll really hold me tight
All the way home I’ll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we’re still goodbying
But as long as you love me so
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

My knowledge of Islamic culture is spotty, but would it not be conceivable that the fasting-and-feasting of Ramadan could conceivably produce songs that put members of Muslim societies in “the mood” for Ramadan? Apparently, the most that happens in places like Indonesia are community-wide celebrations that commemorate the Quran:

As the nation with the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia has diverse Ramadan traditions. On the island of Java, many Javanese Indonesians bathe in holy springs to prepare for fasting, a ritual known as Padusa. The city of Semarang marks the beginning of Ramadan with the Dugderan carnival, which involves parading the Warak ngendog, a dragon-like creature allegedly inspired by the Buraq. In the Chinese-influenced capital city of Jakarta, fire crackers were traditionally used to wake people up for morning prayer, until the 19th Century. Towards the end of Ramadan, most employees receive a one-month bonus known as Tunjangan Hari Raya. Certain kinds of food are especially popular during Ramadan, such as beef in Aceh, and snails in Central Java. The iftar meal is announced every evening by striking the bedug, a giant drum, in the mosque.

So the next time Christians complain about the commercialization and secularization of Christ’s birth’s celebrations, ask them if they are willing to give up Bing Crosby singing White Christmas.

Image by B. Simpson