Zuhair Sulaiman returns to Daraya, Syria, for Ramadan after years abroad in Egypt and Lebanon. Although he relishes being back home, he feels a sense of loss amidst his new beginning. This Ramadan intertwines nostalgia and relief as families confront the lingering challenges of their past lives.
Zuhair Sulaiman, recently returned to his hometown of Daraya, Syria, expresses a complex range of emotions as he observes Ramadan for the first time in over a decade. Previously residing in Egypt and Lebanon since 2014 following the conflict, he now shares the experience with his wife as they await the call to prayer to break their fast. Though Sulaiman takes pleasure in returning home, he acknowledges a profound sense of loss.
The significance of this Ramadan transcends mere celebration; it embodies a bittersweet return filled with nostalgia for a brighter past and an appreciation for the hope that revival brings. As families reunite and rekindle their traditions during this holy month, the weight of their past experiences serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced within their community.
During this period, the emotional landscape of many returning Syrians is marked by a mixture of relief, nostalgia, and reflections on loss. Each sunset breaking their fast is inextricably linked to memories of a different life and the cost of their past choices, as they endeavor to rebuild and restore their lives in a familiar yet altered environment.
In summary, Zuhair Sulaiman’s experience of observing Ramadan in his hometown marks a significant transition filled with mixed emotions. After years of displacement, this holy month serves as a period of reflection and reunion. Yet, it is laced with a poignant sense of loss and nostalgia, illustrating the profound impact of war on families as they navigate their new reality.
Original Source: apnews.com
