2DAYS TO RAMADAN: Share with your non-Muslim friends and colleagues RAMADAN GUIDE FOR NON- MUSLIMS The month of Ramadan is a happy occasion; it is the month that the Muslim holy book, the Quran, was revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Muslims are called by their religion to celebrate the month by coming together in worship, fasting each day for 29 or 30 days from dawn until sunset. While this may seem like a tremendous feat, consider this: Fasting while working is an even greater endeavor. Make it a little easier on your Muslim colleague by following a couple of simple rules: 1- The Greeting: The next time you find yourself in line for the copier with your Muslim colleague, feel free to wish him or her “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” or simply “Happy Ramadan.” We absolutely love it when people acknowledge Ramadan and are happy about it. 2- Positive Reinforcement: Keep in mind that we’re fasting voluntarily and, actually, pretty joyously (despite the tired, sad look on our face). We’re not forced to fast. In fact, we wait for this month the whole year, so you don’t have to feel sorry for us. We are not trying to be rescued (other than by that ticking clock taking us closer to sunset!). 3- The Lunch: Meeting Most of us understand that life goes on, and so do lunch meetings, and if we are participating in them while fasting, don’t worry about eating in front of us. This is just part of the test. We appreciate your acknowledging our fast, but don’t feel the need to discuss it every time you show up in our line of sight holding food. Just try not to eat smelly foods. . . and please ignore our stomach when it growls at your nice food. 4- No Water: It’s true — we can’t drink water either. Again, this is part of the Ramadan test and our exercise of spiritual discipline. Try switching the break time conversation to another location in the school/office. 5- Halitosis: While God may tell us that the breath of the one fasting is like “fragrant musk” to Him, we know that you might not experience the same. Understand why we’re standing a good foot away from you when speaking or simply using sign language to communicate. 6- Iftar Dinner: Consider holding a Ramadan Iftar dinner . Iftar is the Arabic word for the meal served at sunset when we break the fast (it’s literally our ‘breakfast’). This will be a nice gesture for Muslim course mate or coworkers and will give others the opportunity to learn about and partake in Ramadan festivities. Although there is no specific type of meal designated for iftars, it is tradition to break the fast with a sweet and refreshing date before moving to a full-on dinner. 7- Fasting is not an excuse: Although energy levels might be low, the point of fasting is not to slack off from our other duties and responsibilitie s. We believe that we are rewarded for continuing to work and produce during our fasts. Fasting is not a reason to shift classes, postpond contacts, push meetings, clear schedules, or take a lighter load on projects. 8- Ramadan: Is a time for community and charity. There are iftar dinners held at mosques every night (you are welcome to join the fun – even if you’re not fasting!) and night time prayer vigils throughout the month. We give charity in abundance and make an extra effort to partake in community service. Throughout it all, we maintain an ambiance of joy and gratitude for all that God has blessed us with, and reflect on those in this world who have been given much less. This is a time for all of us–not just Muslims–to renew our spiritual intentions, increase our knowledge, and change ourselves for the better.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Jul 2013 08:18:54 +0000
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