Hubris from Revelation: the Social Engineering of Ultimate Truths [Monday, Period 2]

[atreideslioness]

As the students arrived at the Danger Shop as handwavily instructed, they would find a feast set up. Long tables surrounded by large pillows and low couches, piled with heaps of food. "Last week we spoke briefly on Islam, so today I feel free to bump polytheism in favor of celebration," Ghanima said cheerfully, waving for them to take a seat. "Today is Eid ul-Fitr, often abbreviated to Eid."

"Eid is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break fast"; and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. It is celebrated after the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal."

"Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an. At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited."

"While celebrations vary worldwide, there are some common themes to the day. Typically, Muslims wake up early in the morning and have a small breakfast -- as a sign of not being on a fast anymore -- before attending a special Eid prayer, or salah, that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. Many wear new clothes for the occasion if possible, otherwise it is expected to dress in your best. The Eid prayer is followed by the khutbah -- sermon -- and then a supplication asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for all living beings across the world. The khutbah also instructs Muslims as to the performance of rituals of Eid, such as the zakat. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of oneself, whilst greeting them. After the prayers, people also visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances, and some people also pay visits to the graveyards."

"Before the Eid prayer begins, every Muslim who is able must pay Zakat al-fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kilograms of a basic foodstuff such as wheat, barley, dates, or raisins, or its cash equivalent, and is typically collected at the mosque. This is distributed to needy local residents prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can use it for Eid purchases. This is distinct from Zakat based on wealth, which must be paid to a worthy charity."

"So embrace your neighbor, have some lamb, and pass the vegetables," Ghanima said, gesturing at the table. "Your assignment for today is to go out and pay Zakat al-fitr as best you can after class. Give a friend a cookie, make pancakes in the common room, break the fast, and spread joy and goodwill to all. There's some handouts by the door if you're interested in learning more, but for now, eat."

[OCD up!]

Comments

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

Jono figured he had two options, today. Either sit at the table and not eat and feel sorry for himself and drag everyone down with him, or else edge his way toward the door.

... He was something of a professional, when it came to feeling sorry for himself. He grabbed a glass of water, something to idly dabble his fingers in so that he wasn't just a lump in the corner somewhere, and he continued to keep his head down as the other students sat, ate, and made merry.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

She had been prepared to settle in a corner by herself and watch the festivities, not particularly fond of physical touch when it came to the majority of people and taking no joy from food, but when she saw someone else looking about how she felt, she wandered over his way.

"Fiona," she introduced herself quietly.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

Jono glanced up, nodded a little.

//Jonothon,// he replied, as an aside to her and her alone. Simple. Quick. The class had heard him speak before, granted, but he still hadn't had a chance to stop and pick apart who his voice managed to cause distress to.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

"Nice to meet you," and it was automatic but oddly, heartfelt. Something sympathetic had slipped out of the neat little box most of her emotions lived in. She wasn't sure if that was worrying or encouraging.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//A pleasure,// he said, turning his gaze back toward the water he was mucking about in. He stared at it awkwardly for a moment, and then pulled his fingers out and flicked them off. //I don't do the hugging thing, if that's what yer here for, gel.//

He was kind of in that cut-to-the-chase mood.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

"I'd rather you didn't," she said with a small, wry smile.

"I don't usually either. You just looked like the only other person who was kind of... at ends."

Ie, not into hugging and not particularly interested in the food.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

Jono looked up at her again, and then gestured to the bandages on his face with his dry hand.

//Food is a little difficult. Easier on everyone if I just stay out of the bloody way.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

"I don't have to eat and it tastes like sawdust to me," she explained, "so... not really something I'm into."

She did glance at the bandages, though.

"Were you hurt?"

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

Jonothon never figured he'd find himself sitting in front of a feast, commiserating with a girl over not being able to eat, no. This was enough of a shock to the system that the moping faded away somewhat into a sort of awkward intrigue.

//Yer could say that, yes. I can't eat. I think I'd take sawdust over what I've got where my mouth is supposed to be.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

"...well... goodness."

Someone else in this boat.

"We could do something else. It's a celebration, right? We could do something that doesn't involve food or hugging, I mean, considering."

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//Considering,// Jono echoed, nodding faintly. //Well, luv, I'm open to any suggestions yer might have.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[cutsthestrings.livejournal.com]

"What do you like to do?" seemed the first logical question.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//Play and listen to music is about what it boils down to,// he mused, and then shrugged his shoulders. //My guitar is back in my room, mind. I don't suppose yer've got any more portable suggestions?//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[trigons_child]

Like Raven wasn't going to notice that. Right.

"I suppose you do not wish to be hugged, either," she said teasingly, settling beside him. The smell of the lamb was starting to make her feel queasy, so she was more than happy to focus her attention some place other than the food.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//Hugging and I don't particularly get along,// Jono agreed with a voice that was something relatively akin to a frown. The lamb was having the opposite effect on him, unfortunately. It smelled good, and he wanted. Damn it anyhow.

//But I won't turn down the company, either.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[trigons_child]

Raven eyed the food and wondered if there were some way she could empathically give Jono the sensation of taste and eating. She might have to experiment with that later, she decided.

"Company I can gladly give," she said. "Did you have an enjoyable weekend?"

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//Can't complain. I think I still have glitter in my hair from making posters with Jean, though.// He did. It was twinkly. //It was productive, more or less. Yerself?//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[trigons_child]

"My friend Hurley showed me the Space Battles movie last night," Raven said. "I have never seen any of them so he wished to educate me. The explosions were somewhat distressing, but it was all pretend, I know. And, yes, you do still have glitter in your hair." Raven smiled and reached out with one hand to brush some away, hoping he would not flinch from her touch. "You had best be careful wearing glitter," she went on. "I am told that in Fandom glitter somehow magically encourages boys to be affectionate with one another."

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

To his credit, he didn't flinch away from the touch. He just shut his eyes and nodded a little, then flicked the water from his fingers only to stick them back into the cup again. Convenient distraction, that.

//They call it 'boykissy,' luv. I think I'm immune by default.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[trigons_child]

Raven brushed a few stray flecks of glitter away then returned her hand to her lap. "There is always the possibility someone might be creative," she said.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//People get creative, and I panic,// Jono shared. He was in quite the sharing mood today, apparently. //It would be very much for the best if people didn't get creative.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[trigons_child]

"I am sorry," Raven said. "I was only teasing." And she totally hadn't given any thoughts to creativity herself, really.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

Jono felt a slight pang at that; a sort of twisting in the psionic energies that took the place of his chest.

//I'm sorry, luv. I knew that.// Chamber, you ruddy plonker. //I'm in a bit of a mood today, I think.//

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[trigons_child]

She knew being surrounded by students enjoying food while he himself could not eat must be hard for him. "Can I do anything to help brighten it?" Raven asked.

Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss

[furnaceface]

//I think I just need to get out of here,// he mumbled, shaking his head. //The class will be over soon enough.//

And then he could make a break for it and proceed to sulk for the remainder of the day.