Writers in Ramadan: A Migration from the Noise of Writing to the Refuge of Reading
During Ramadan, many writers and intellectuals shift their focus from writing to reading, as the month offers a space for deeper contemplation and spiritual reflection.
Ramadan is a transformative period for many writers and intellectuals, as they report a significant increase in reading relative to writing. This change is attributed to the spiritual solitude created by fasting, which encourages them to rethink their relationship with contemplation and thought—both integral to the processes of writing and reading. Consequently, Ramadan becomes a time to engage deeply with literature, making reading an essential part of their daily routines.
The unique atmosphere of Ramadan—characterized by religious devotion and social bonds—offers writers vast opportunities to prioritize reading, thereby reshaping their daily lives. Many authors express that during this month, their writing takes a backseat, allowing them to savor the reflective nature of reading, which extends beyond mere leisure to include extensive works in philosophy, history, religion, and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, this shift in focus helps writers escape the "pleasure of laziness" that can occasionally overwhelm them, especially during times of despair caused by the challenges facing the Arab world. Thus, Ramadan not only alters their daily rituals but also deepens their appreciation for the written word, suggesting a cultural phenomenon where the act of reading transcends its traditional role, becoming a vital component of their intellectual engagement during the holy month.