Ghanima Atreides (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
atreideslioness) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2009-09-21 08:06 am
atreideslioness) wrote in fandomhigh2009-09-21 08:06 am
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Hubris from Revelation: the Social Engineering of Ultimate Truths [Monday, Period 2]
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!]
"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!]
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
Her lips quirked.
"If anyone's a monster here, they've hidden it very well. I haven't seen anyone do anything where I'd call them that. A few people are jerks, but that's about all."
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
//I suppose it depends on the definition of monster, then. Worse than a jerk is one thing. Frightening people just by existing, that might be one, too.//
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
"That's just a load of nonsense," she said firmly.
"No one can be frightening just because they exist. And if they are, it's because people are stupid or too lost in their own little world to give someone a chance."
While she had killed Perry Millhouse, she had made friends with Soukh. One was a crocodile the size of an apartment, the other was a man in what looked like mechanic's clothes.
She'd made friends with the crocodile. Being a 'monster' was what you did, nothing more.
...she had to believe that, or she might as well consider herself cannon fodder.
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
//Yer might be surprised how many people are 'too stupid or lost in their own little world,' then. Ignorance doesn't excuse the hate, no, but the fact that it is ignorance doesn't make it go away, either.//
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
"It is a load of nonsense. I didn't say it wasn't real or that people don't have to deal with it or that it's not nonsense that most people indulge in. But it is nonsense. You are what you do."
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Oh, yes. Now he was in a snit again.
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
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//Maybe it's just as much waiting for the other shoe to drop as it is trying not to get used to it.//
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
She had to admit--
"Yes. I can understand that as well."
As she usually did, her first thought was to Dinah and that day in the flower shop when she'd confessed all.
"In a lot of ways."
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
It seemed like the logical conclusion to draw, there, really.
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
Her fingers tapped on her own thigh in a rare display of nervousness.
"Thankfully, we never celebrated holidays, so I don't think I have to go back for any of them. I'll have to work out something so Eliot can visit, though. Or I'll go visit him."
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
As much as she wanted to see her father, it wasn't really safe. Especially on a weekend like that.
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
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"You could."
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//I think I'd have a few troubles tryin' t'find a world where I fit better, gel.//
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
"Well, I'm sure it won't hurt to try."
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
//I'll keep an eye out,// he settled on. He wasn't exactly holding his proverbial breath, but on the very, very off-chance that there was some world where he could at least take a stab at pretending to be normal...
Re: Activity: Eat and Discuss
...because knowing him for ten or twenty minutes, she wanted to make sure he was all right.