Blessed Eid, everyone. Today is Eid ul-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan. This is generously a joyous, celebratory time for Muslims.
Because I have spent several years of my life in the Middle East, the Arabic language, food, culture and people are forever in my blood, my heart. Actually, because some of my close relatives are of Arab (being deliberately vague here) descent, this culture really is part of my blood.
Some people find solace in mac 'n cheese or Ben & Jerry's. My comfort foods are hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, falafel, shish kebab, labneh, pita . . . If it has olive oil, garlic, eggplant, lemon - more, please!
What about the crazy islamofascist terrorists, etc.? Sorry, I don't know any. I'm pretty sure they are in the extreme minority, much like our crazy christofascist fundamentalists here. Though we are doing our part to increase those numbers, on both sides.
What I do know:
- Fatima had an infectious laugh, gorgeous huge brown eyes, and taught me how to belly dance.
- Omar's parents were so warm and generous, I had to be careful not to compliment anything, or they would give it to me.
- We were sitting on the floor around a huge feast of spiced rice and meat with some Bedouin in an expansive tent. My mother was offered the tongue (what a delicacy!) and my brother and I had to stifle our giggles while she ate some. We drank hot, sweet tea in glass mugs.
- Teenaged Arabic boys are just as silly and hormone-crazy as teenaged American boys.
- Tariq was so chivalrous to cut up my frog in biology class ~ I just couldn't do it.
- Karim had a crush on me, but Ali took me to prom.
- Places like Petra, obviously the Egyptian pyramids, the Dead Sea, Mecca (from as close as I was allowed) and famous Souk (market) in Damascus inspire awe and stillness.
- Of course there were some scary older men who spit in front of my feet once as I walked by.
- And, years later, the jerk manning a Burbank gas station who very charmingly asked, "And how are you, today, sharmuta? [whore]"
- To which I replied, "Just fine . . . and I speak Arabic." He wasn't expecting that.
- To this day, there are certain Arabic words and phrases my family and I automatically use, as they are more appropriate and have no adequate English equivalent. We'll say, "Inshallah" (God willing) when we hope something comes to pass, or "Mabruk!" (A nice, hearty congratulations.)
It is difficult to fear that which is known. I do not fear "Muslims" or "Islam" or "Arabs." How could I? Today, I join my Muslim brothers and sisters in celebration. (Well, except for the fact that I haven't fasted for a month or anything before today. And I'm not going to celebrate with the small number of crazies who want me dead. Details.)
And for your viewing pleasure, here are some rare pictures of a ragamuffin Jayne in the '70s, getting cozy with an islamofascist camel (jemel) and cat (bissa).
Ma’assalama! Until next time.
Oh, you shouldn't have said that about the camel. Now, they're probably not going to let it on the plane. . .
Posted by: Popeye | October 24, 2006 at 04:37 AM
My oldest daughter is 1/2 Chaldean and although they aren't Muslims they are Middle Eastern. I never had much of a relationship with her father (it was kind of an oops thing) but I have encouraged her to learn about her history and culture through that side of the family. I love all of the Arabic foods I've ever tasted! Especially raw Kibbee, Falafel and Hummous...YUM! I love history, especially ancient history, so that who part of the world is fascinating to me, being the cradle of civilization. I hope one day that I will feel the environment there is safe for an American to visit. Unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by: AndreaDetroit | October 24, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Oh the kitty! How adorable.
I love learning new things about you. And I'm glad you posted about this. I have Egyptian friends, and they are the the warmest and kindest. Big hearts! It was intersting to hear you say the same things.
~S
Posted by: Shephard | October 25, 2006 at 10:31 AM
Cool post. I'm a little late getting to it but lovely to hear your reminiscences.
Posted by: Pearl | October 25, 2006 at 02:25 PM
I just spent 4 1/2 months in Libya, totally immersed in the Muslim culture, and my favorite part was the food! Every day was like a new treat to explore! (Although the people and the Roman history was pretty darn amazing as well!)
I was curious since you have a background in the Arabic world, do you know any amazing recipes for those dishes? I'd love to be able to prepare them now that I'm back in the US.
Posted by: aecudaisy | October 26, 2006 at 08:52 AM
I am so jealous of your life. When you have the time, I would love an email from you telling me how it is you got to live in such amazing places. I know you've discussed a little of it, but I am just fascinated. You have been very blessed - though I am sure you know that!
Posted by: Melissa | November 01, 2006 at 07:23 AM
Salaam! I just came across your blog when I was doing a blog search for "Muslim" and "Belly dance"...I was wondering if there are any other Muslim women out there that belly dance, lol, and since you mentioned those two words in your post, your blog came up...anyway, just wanted to wish you a belated Eid Mubarek, what a beautiful post!
Shukran!
Salihah
Posted by: Salihah | November 25, 2006 at 03:50 PM