“So this Ramadan, I went to a competition [Equation Festival] sober for the primary time. It was actually life-changing. I used to be fasting for a few days on the competition, however I additionally didn’t for the opposite two as a result of my physique was feeling so dehydrated and I needed to put myself first. On the times that I used to be fasting, I even broke my quick on the dancefloor with the love of all of my mates! The sensation of breaking my quick actually within the rave was euphoric, it made me really feel a means that no substance ever has. However being sober at an occasion was such a terrific expertise, I discovered myself falling in love with myself and the issues that I really like much more and it was a possibility to cleanse.”
Different DJs don’t quick in any respect, don’t stick strictly to sobriety, and likewise proceed taking up gigs. However regardless of this, they proceed to place their religion and customs first. Istanbul-based Serdar Ayyıldız (aka Nodus) explains that for him, it’s critical he retains enjoying DJ gigs and continues to advance his profession in digital music because of how aggressive and fast-paced the trade is. “You’re taking a month off, and it might set you again a lot. Particularly someplace like right here in Istanbul. I labored onerous to get to the place I’m, so I’ll hold doing my job. I nonetheless respect my faith, to me Ramadan is a time to spend with household and hold being grateful for all the pieces I’ve. I’ve a relationship with my religion which is private to me, however I can’t afford to have the ability to take break day.”
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Serdar says that many golf equipment and digital music nights in Turkey are placed on maintain throughout Ramadan anyway because of a big proportion of the inhabitants fasting. This implies he’s typically booked for gigs at shisha lounges after sundown — when fasts are being damaged and persons are heading out to see household and mates. “Lots of people right here in Istanbul suppose the identical as me. A few of us began fasting and DJing just a few years in the past, but it surely was an excessive amount of because it was impacting our well being. So now I don’t quick, I take additional care of my well being, I take additional care of my household who’s fasting, however I play.”
Many UK-based DJs who do cease enjoying units through the holy month acknowledge that not partaking is a privilege that they will afford.“DJing isn’t my major earnings, so I’m fortunate to have the ability to determine what I need to have the ability to do relating to DJing,” says Freshta. “I determine to not do any reveals and switch down any present presents, I don’t DJ in golf equipment both. It’s my very own determination to not wish to put myself in these areas throughout this era. I don’t actually suppose it’s wanted, and it isn’t essentially for me throughout this month. I simply suppose it’s pointless as I can concentrate on fasting and Ramadan,” she explains.
Muzz Khan reiterates this, regardless of not fasting through the month, he actively has determined to not tackle any DJing gigs. “I select to not tackle DJ gigs through the month out of respect, at the start. My brother handed away on Christmas Day 2021, and I made a decision to take a while out of DJing then too as a result of in Islam it’s customized to mourn for 40 days, to not exit, to not take heed to music, to not partake in issues usually thought-about “enjoyable.” I selected to not DJ then, and have now determined to convey this to Ramadan 2022. However DJing shouldn’t be my solely supply of earnings, and I can afford to feed and take care of my household with out it. So I perceive that I’m privileged to have the ability to make this determination.”
