Exploring Circassian Culture and Ramadan Traditions

The following is a lightly edited transcript of the interview with Jennifer and Sama. 

Jennifer:
Greetings from Amman. I’m Jennifer Killpack at Shababeek Intercultural Development Center. We call ourselves an intercultural development center because we’re very interested in how language and culture are intertwined. We believe they cannot be separated, and for that reason, we do a lot to expose people to different ways of seeing culture from within. We named our center Shababeek (which means windows in Arabic) because we are each a window into the world around us. Joining me is Sama, and she’s going to tell us about her unique heritage. She is Circassian, and from time to time, we have Circassian people working with us on our staff. However, most people don’t know much about their story and culture or how they celebrate Ramadan and other things. So, we’re going to do a mix of talking with her about her specific family and then also delve into her perspective on Ramadan to help us all understand it better. Welcome.

Sama:
Hi, this is Sama.

Jennifer:
Okay, so you’re Circassian. Most people don’t know much about that community here in Jordan. Tell us about the history.

Sama:
Circassians play a big part in Jordan. We originally come from the Caucasian region, which is in Russia, but we were forced to migrate back in the 19th century due to the Russian-Circassian War, also known as the Circassian genocide. After that, we settled in Jordan, Turkey, and several other regions. We came here before the Kingdom of Jordan was even founded. We were part of the foundation of Jordan. Circassians were one of the most prominent groups who settled in the country. We have been involved in the military and became a huge part of the Jordanian Armed Forces. We also speak our language, although not all of us still do. We mostly speak Jordanian Arabic and English.

The above video teaches about the history of the Circassian genocide.

Jennifer:
So, at home, what language do you speak?

Sama:
Well, I don’t really know how to speak Circassian. My grandfather and grandmother knew how to speak, but they didn’t teach their children, so most of us Circassians here don’t really know how to speak Circassian anymore.

Jennifer:
Oh, wow, that’s kind of a surprise. So, your mother tongue is Arabic then?

Sama:
Yeah, we started learning Arabic and English in school.

Jennifer:
Okay, so just to get this straight, you came here because of the genocide in Russia? So many people relocated here. I’m told that the guards who work for the king are all Circassian. Is that still true?

Sama:
Yeah, we have a tradition where the guards of the king are Circassian. It’s been like a tradition, and it’s still going on. We’re well-known for being good at fighting and defending the country we love and have a connection with. Because we came before the country was established and were very invested in the military, the king wanted to give us a role in contributing to his safety, so we played a part in that.

Jennifer:
So, you might not know this, but do you have an idea of how many people live in Jordan who are Circassian?

Sama:
I think it’s approximately 300,000.

Jennifer:
So, tell me, how do you feel like the culture within the Circassian community is distinct from maybe the Palestinian or Jordanian population here?

Jennifer:
Okay, but in many ways, you’re also very similar to the population around here. You share a religion, you’re Muslim. So, tell me more about that.

Sama:
Circassians adapted to Islam very quickly because it had the same customs and traditions that we already had in our culture. Once we learned about Islam, we really wanted to be Muslims. We embraced Islam and became Muslims. This was one of the reasons why Russia didn’t want us anymore. Our ancestors are also Muslims, and everyone in the Caucasus is still Muslim.

Jennifer:
So, yeah, we’re experiencing a genocide now, again with Palestinians. And yet, there are ways that your community keeps the memory of what your people went through alive. How do you do that?

Sama:
As I said before, we have clubs that try their best to teach us about our history and why the genocide happened. We also have a specific date, May 21st, 1864, which is the day we were forced to leave Russia and come here. On that day, we gather in front of the Russian embassy here in Jordan and hold flyers that say, “We will never forget.” It’s a peaceful way to show that we remember our heritage and won’t forget what happened, even if it’s been over 100 years.

Jennifer:
As far as minority languages go, some people are quite sad to see many minority languages eventually disappear. Are there people in your community who are sad about that? Is there any kind of reaction or effort to help younger people continue to speak the language you used to?

 

Sama:
Yeah, there are places that offer free courses for learning the Circassian language. They try their best to help people speak it, but once you don’t practice the language, it eventually fades away. Many of our grandparents knew the language, but they didn’t teach it to their children. This generation isn’t really interested in learning it as much, preferring to learn Arabic and English instead.

Jennifer:
So, when it comes to Ramadan, we’re currently on the 10th day, about one-third of the way through the holy fasting month. Tell me a little bit about some ways that it might be different in your culture to experience the fasting month compared to Palestinians or Jordanians.

Sama:
So, we do have some customs. Every Friday, my mother would make a traditional dish called “laqom” before breaking the fast. We also have a special tea called “qalmaq shai,” and we eat Circassian cheese as a family on these days. After breaking the fast, our community sometimes does traditional Circassian dancing, which we call “jaug.” It’s a group activity where people laugh and dance together. We do this about every two weeks during Ramadan.

Jennifer:
There are a lot of foreigners who sometimes have misunderstandings, even negative attitudes, about the fasting month. Can you tell me what you would say to those people? I see that many of my friends here in Jordan really look forward to this month. Why and how would you encourage outsiders to perceive this special time?

Sama:
Some people might view Ramadan in a negative light. Each religion has its restrictions, even Christianity, which has different forms of fasting. For me, Ramadan is more than just fasting; it’s about self-control, gratitude, and personal growth. It’s a time for reflection and spiritual growth. Ramadan is all about spiritual growth and a way to enhance your relationship with Allah. It also involves health and discipline. Many find that fasting builds resilience and enhances well-being, both mentally and physically.

Jennifer:
Some people see Ramadan as a time of celebration. Would you say that? I mean, in the evenings, it’s celebratory to some extent. So, what are the reasons to be joyful or to celebrate? What is the way that people try to think about the time they’re fasting during the day versus in the evenings? Is there a kind of shift in how you’re seeing what you’re doing throughout the day?

Sama:
Ramadan is about community and togetherness. Breaking the fast is a joyful daily moment where families and friends gather together to eat, pray, and share blessings about their days. Mosques and community centers host gatherings that enhance this bond between Muslims. It’s a way to create bonding between everyone and celebrate the fact that you’re all going through the same thing. It’s like an achievement, connecting to God and understanding what others go through.

Jennifer:
Okay, great. So when you say that you fast, it’s not just about abstaining from food or water, but it’s even more than that. Not so much like Lent. Tell us how it’s different.

Sama:
Yes. So, you’re absolutely right. Fasting in Ramadan is about much more than just abstaining from food and drinks. We abstain from food and drinks from dawn to sunset, without eating or drinking, not even water. It also helps us restrict ourselves from negative speech, so during that time, we try to avoid lying, gossiping, arguing, or insulting others. It’s about connecting with patience, so it teaches you to be more patient while talking to another person, even when you haven’t eaten for 12 hours and might be suffering from headaches. It’s also a time to quit bad habits like smoking, as you can control yourself from not smoking for more than 12 hours, and you can continue to do so afterward. Additionally, Muslims tend to limit their time watching TV or listening to music because we want to use our time to connect with Allah.

Jennifer:
Yeah, I really like the idea that it’s almost like a special month set aside where everybody is focusing on developing within themselves better relationships. Spiritually, I’ve heard of this concept of taqwa (تقوى). Can you tell me more about what it means to work on developing taqwa throughout Ramadan?

Sama:
Taqwa means to protect or shield a person. In an Islamic sense, it refers to creating a shield between oneself and actions that displease Allah. Ramadan helps you develop taqwa through self-restraint, fasting from food and drinks, and gratitude. You experience hunger and thirst firsthand and develop a deep appreciation for the blessings you often take for granted. It increases worship and reflection, all of which strengthen your relationship with Allah. It also involves charity, as fasting helps people empathize with the less fortunate. Many people like to do iftar gatherings where they help charitable causes, and it’s a very fun and rewarding experience.

Jennifer:
So, we’ve talked about a couple of different Arabic terms. You talked about the prayers that you do at night. Remind me of that word.

Sama:
It’s called tarawih (التَّرَاوِيح). During the month of Ramadan, it goes between Salat al-Isha and Salat al-Fajr (صلاة العشاء و صَلَاةُ الْفَجْر). We do tarawih, which involves praying 20 rak’ahs (ركعة). It’s a way to express gratitude and connection with Allah. I’ve done it recently, and it was a very nice experience.

Jennifer:
So that’s after you break the fast. But typically, I think people perceive that maybe women stay home and it’s men who are usually at the mosque. You’re saying that women go to the mosque too?

Sama:
Yes, it’s women and even children. My aunt is like 70 or 75, and even if she can’t pray while standing, she’d sit down. But she just wants to participate in this. So yeah, naturally, when you go to the mosque, the imam (إمام) leads the prayers. For the women, we’d be following him through speakers, as the sound is extended to the women’s section.

Jennifer:
OK, a couple of other terms we should talk about. There’s a lot of connection with hasanat (حسنات) during Ramadan. Can you tell us more about what’s going on with hasanat and how it changes during Ramadan?

Sama:
Hasanat (حسنات) refers to the spiritual rewards a person earns for doing good deeds in Islam. During Ramadan, these rewards are believed to be multiplied many times.

Jennifer:
OK.

Sama:
So when Muslims seek to increase their hasanat (حسنات), they do it by fasting, praying, giving charity, helping others, and performing acts of kindness. These acts are said to be multiplied in Ramadan, which is why people want to pray more, fast more, and give more charity. They do this because their rewards are greatly increased.

Jennifer:
Do you find, though, that even after the fasting month is over, it has an impact on you? Like the spiritual practices you’ve developed during the month—do they follow you throughout the rest of the year?

Sama:
I mean, yeah. If you can do something for a month, it impacts your life. If someone quits smoking for a month, for example, it helps them continue quitting. Similarly, any habit you develop during Ramadan can stick with you afterward. For us, it’s not just a month—it becomes a life routine, and it changes and impacts our lives.

Jennifer:
So what are some things for you personally that you feel attached to? What are the hardest things to give up during Ramadan?

Sama:
Honestly, for me, I love watching TV shows. So this is a struggle because I want to spend my time praying instead of watching TV and feeling like I’m achieving something. My achievement during Ramadan is increasing my taqwa (تقوى), strengthening my faith. I also want to build relationships with others. When you go to the mosque, you’re building relationships, engaging in festivals, and stepping out of your comfort zone. For me, my comfort zone is watching TV, but in Ramadan, I push myself to be more outgoing and to increase my faith.

Jennifer:
Does everyone fast, or are there certain people who are exempt? For example, if someone is pregnant, what other reasons might exempt a person from fasting, either for a short time or for the whole month?

Sama:
Even though fasting is required for each Muslim, Islam provides exemptions for those who have valid reasons. Children who have not reached puberty are not required to fast, though they might practice shorter fasts. We call this somet al-asfoura, where they fast until around 2:00 PM without water or food.

Jennifer:
Maybe during the school day?

Sama:
Yeah, exactly. Otherwise, they’d just stay home and eat. It’s a way for them to practice. The elderly, if fasting is too difficult due to weakness or health issues, can skip fasting, but they must pay fidya (فدية). Fidya (فدية) is feeding a needy person. So instead of fasting, they provide meals for someone in need. The sick, if they have a temporary illness, can do qada’ (قضاء), meaning they make up the fasts later. However, qada’ (قضاء) must be done after Eid, not during it. Pregnant and nursing women can also skip fasting if it could harm them or their baby. They can make up the fasts later or also pay fidya (فدية). Travelers are another exception. If someone is on a journey of more than 80 kilometers, they are allowed to break their fast. People with mental health conditions are also exempt from fasting.

Jennifer:
Thanks for helping our listeners understand that better. There is also something that happens during Ramadan that I know is a very special night. I think we could translate it as the Night of Power. Tell us what occurs that evening.

Sama:
The Night of Power is called Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر), and it falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan. There isn’t a specific date, but many believe it falls on the 27th or 28th night. It is believed to be the night when the Qur’an (القرآن) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an describes it as being better than a thousand months. On this night, hasanat (حسنات) are multiplied even more, so people spend the night praying and making dua (دعاء). Dua on this night is considered mustajab (مستجاب), meaning it is accepted. Since the exact date is unknown, many people dedicate the last ten nights of Ramadan to extra worship.

Jennifer:
So on that topic of hasanat (حسنات), someone asked me the other day why taxi drivers always have the Qur’an (القرآن) playing on the radio during Ramadan.

Sama:
It depends on the person, but Ramadan is considered a month for strengthening one’s connection with Allah. Listening to the Qur’an (القرآن) is a way to reflect, increase spirituality, and seek baraka (بركة), or blessings. It creates a peaceful atmosphere, so people like to have it playing in their homes, cars, and workplaces. Taxi drivers, for example, listen to it not only for themselves but also to help passengers feel at peace and strengthen their connection with Allah, even during a short ride.

Jennifer:
That’s really nice. For our listeners, what is expected of non-Muslims during Ramadan? How can we be respectful or even express solidarity with our Muslim friends?

Sama:
Personally, I appreciate when people are mindful and considerate. Avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in front of someone who is fasting is a small but thoughtful gesture. If you’re hosting an event and want to invite Arab or Muslim friends, consider scheduling it after iftar (إفطار), the meal that breaks the fast. I also appreciate when people show interest in learning about Ramadan—why we do it, its origins, and the purpose of fasting. Asking respectful questions out of curiosity is always welcomed.

Jennifer:
For those of us learning the language, what phrases can we say during Ramadan? What are some common greetings?

Sama:
When Ramadan is announced, people say Ramadan kareem (رمضان كريم), and the response is Allah akram (الله أكرم). Another common greeting is Ramadan mubarak (رمضان مبارك), to which you can respond Allah yubarik feek (الله يبارك فيك). We also say taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum (تقبل الله منا ومنكم), meaning “May Allah accept from us and from you,” and the response is, minna wa minkum salih al-a‘mal (منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال). This phrase is also commonly used after prayers.

Jennifer:
From all of those, what’s the easiest thing a foreigner could say anytime throughout the fasting month?

Sama:
The easiest and most effective greeting is Ramadan kareem (رمضان كريم). The response is Allah akram (الله أكرم).

Jennifer:
Great! Thank you so much for sharing. Is there anything else you’d like our listeners to know?

Sama:
I’d love for people to learn more about different cultures. For example, not many people know about Circassians and our history. It’s also nice to learn more about Ramadan and its impact on Muslims.

Jennifer:
Yes, I think listening is key when learning about a new culture. Understanding people from their perspective helps us avoid assumptions. We can also learn and be transformed by others’ spiritual practices. Thank you so much for sharing with me today. I’ve learned a lot, and we appreciate your time.

Sama:
Thank you for having me today!