Do I think the Corrie writers will have fictional character Rana celebrate it or do I think Rana the person we’ve gotten to know will? 😛
I don’t know if the writers will even remember it when the time comes, heh, but they could just as soon make a point of it, either to have her not, in a rejection of her parents and their so-called values, or she could continue fasting as a way to connect with them and her culture, despite everything.
It’d be harder to say with Rana, the real person. First, to clarify, “celebrate” is so the wrong word. Fasting when you’re a kid (when the grownups make it easy for you) and when Ramadan’s during the winter (since it’s on the lunar calendar, it moves back 11 days every year) is one thing, but these last few summer Ramadans, ugh, especially in the northern areas, it’s just this month long slog of eating, napping, the worst part: waking up again, and having to repeat. And with a possible full work day thrown in there somewhere. Though this year Ramadan’s finally moved back enough to be entirely before the summer solstice, people in Manchester will have to FINISH eating BEFORE 3 in the morning, on average and will only be able to eat again after 9:20.
It’s tough. I can see someone starting out with the best of intentions still deciding, eh, especially if she doesn’t really believe in it.
My cousin who lives up in Canada, even with a very devout mom (when it comes to herself, she’s not the type to judge others or make them do anything) doesn’t fast anymore, no matter how much others in the family sideeye him. On the other hand, as long as Rana stays in touch with any of the Nazirs, I think it’s that much more likely that she’ll continue. Even though it is religious, it does involve activities that have become cultural and it’s made easier by doing it as a community. Having someone there with you when you wake up to eat before sunrise, when you complain through the day, and when you’re finally breaking fast at sunset makes it all so much nicer. Especially if it’s Alya or Yasmeen, of course. Be cute if Kate tried to be that person for her, or at least until she realized how horribly prepared she is for that life and Rana stops her. 😛