Life is a curious thing. When I heard about the shooting in Chattanooga I was so confused and sad. So many people worry about my safety while I’m here, but I have been saying from the beginning that there is no place that is immune to tragedy and senseless violence. For the most part, I have been so proud of the way Chattanooga has responded to this unbelievably tragic event. From what I have seen via social media and traditional media sources, people have come together in love and support, which is amazing. It makes me so proud to consider Chattanooga home. However, I have seen some things that are pure hate, and that is disappointing. As someone who is not muslim, but still living in an Islamic country it angers me to see posts from people condemning an entire religion and everyone who is a part of it. Let me just say, my experience with Ramadan in Kyrgyzstan has been nothing but positive.
We moved to our permanent sites right as Ramadan had begun, and my apa and ata fasted the entire time. Orozo (the word for fasting) is challenging. My host parents would fast al day long, not even taking a drink of water, all while working regular hours and tending to the five children living in our house. At just before 9 o’clock every night they would get to break fast until about 3 am. Here’s the deal, Ramadan is an incredibly powerful holiday. The reasoning behind it is so awesome. It is a time to experience what those who cannot afford food and water go through every day. It is to serve as a reminder that we are incredibly blessed by Allah (God) with food and water. Not everyone is, and we should not forget that. I did not take part in fasting for a few reasons: 1. It was incredibly hot and not drinking water is dangerous 2. I did not feel convicted to do so and 3. It was never asked or expected of me. In fact my apa even made food for me, a 24 year old, because she knew that I did not know where all of our cooking utensils were kept. I have never been forced to do anything. My apa and ata are fairly devout and while there are some Islamic customs they do not adhere to, they mostly follow the Quran pretty closely. They do not drink, and my ata is such compassionate and good man. He does not yell or raise his hand at anyone in the family. I have seen people posting so many negative things about Islam in light of recent events that hit close, too close, to home, and I just have to interject that most of what I have seen being posted about Islam is false.
My family has warmth and love for each other and me that I cherish. When Ramadan ended and my family celebrated Eid they were so considerate of the fact that I might find it all overwhelming. The tradition, in Kyrgyzstan, is to go to all the neighbors houses and eat plov. My family insisted that our house be the first one, and then told me I didn’t have to attend Eid at every house. They were worried I would get tired, and that people would insist I eat more than I wanted (because that is hospitality).
What I am trying to say is, please think about what you post, or re-post. Think about is this post coming from a place of love? Or a place of hate and ignorance? Are you posting facts about this religion? Or just some random meme that you have no clue if the information is factual?
Also for anyone I am connected to on social media, if you are posting hurtful, false things about the dominant religion in the country where I live, please be more considerate. Remember we are all just people, and that whatever god you believe in, we come from the same one.
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