'Breaking fast alone is hard, but I’m finding solace in nostalgia.'
In Islam, emphasis is placed on showing up for your brethren: We come together in communion, but more generally, we come together to share food. For me, the experience of growing up Muslim has made me crave community, especially when it’s time to break bread. I long for chicken roasts with friends on Sundays, or seeing multiple forks digging into a giant bowl of homemade anchovy pasta. Whatever the meal, I want to eat it together.
This year, however, the worldwide rampage of Covid-19 is erasing that gift of togetherness. Like me, many may be quarantined at home, and fasting alone. It is likely to be the strangest Ramadan I have experienced in all my 30 years. Knowing I wouldn’t get to be with my chosen family of queer Muslims, with whom I’ve spent the last few Ramadans in New York, or listen to the Eidin a crowd in Washington Square Park, has left me feeling a deep, heavy sadness.
It always started with a date, so sticky it was almost like caramel. Chewy, like stretched-out toffee, the fruit eventually gives way to a hard-as-granite seed, which, if maneuvered right, would fall out of my mouth with a soft plop, and into the palm of my hand. The whole ordeal was a brief, sacred rite. During this holy month, a date becomes a metaphor for life: for its richness but also its tenacity. Just one can restore you after an entire day of fasting. It is nothing short of a miracle.
And that was iftar: dates, lemonade, and kaali daal. The holy trinity of breaking fast. The sweetness of the date, the fullness of the lemonade, the protein-packed crunch of the lentils. Savored and devoured. Simple but potent.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dad Dresses as Elsa in Support of His Son's Love for Frozen Character: 'He Is Unashamedly Himself'Scott Stuart says his son Colin has loved 'everything about' Elsa ever since he was 3-years-old
Read more »
In pictures: Ramadan at night looks a lot different this yearDuring the holy month of Ramadan, night time, for most Muslims, is an opportunity to go out meet family, friends and for communal prayer. This year the celebrations are more muted.
Read more »
Your Horoscope for the Week of April 26thEverything you need to know for the upcoming week.
Read more »
As Pluto Enters Retrograde, The Time To Forgive Is NowAs Pluto enters retrograde, the time to forgive is now.
Read more »
For Asian Americans, Racism Is as Threatening as the Virus'As Asian Americans, we are dealing with dueling fears—fear of the virus itself and fear of xenophobia, a pandemic just as scary as the virus. I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked if I have the coronavirus.' kellyyanghk writes:
Read more »
Eat Your Way Through A Quick Brunch To Reveal Which Iconic Vine You AreWe need Vine energy now more than ever.
Read more »