So what should Muslims not do in Ramadan?
(http://www.deborahswallow.com/2011/08/01/ramadan-explained-everything-you-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/)
Ramadan is not for arguing or debating over the Hilal (moon sighting – which is different all over the world).Muslims are expected to use the time to focus on learning something that would benefit yourself and your family.
Ramadan is not for overeating, overindulging in food, drinks, or obsessive cooking when the sun goes down; eat in moderation food which is halal, organic and wholesome. Fasting should teach self-control and discipline over our bodies and over what we consume. The Qur’an teaches moderation and self-control in all aspects of life, and forbade us to harm ourselves, directly or indirectly.
Ramadan is not for Haram (things forbidden by the faith), so avoid Haram in selling, buying, eating, drinking, smoking, and in your relationships. This means abstaining from food, drink, chewing gum and smoking, listening to music, other entertainment activities and intimate marital relations.
Ramadan is not for cheating, lying, backbiting, gossiping, slandering, or spreading rumours. If the tongue is able to avoid the pleasure of tasting food and quenching its thirst, then why not keep it clean from what can ruin the fast?
Ramadan is not for overspending on food and parties. Feed the poor, invite relatives and friends to spend time with you, but do not show off or compete in overspending.
Ramadan is not for oversleeping. Muslims should pray more, read the Qur’an more and work during the day. That is the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad. Laziness has no place in Ramadan.
Ramadan is not for wasting time by watching more TV. The temptation is great as TV channels compete in showing their best programs during Ramadan! However, Muslims are supposed to recognise that time is precious and will regret every minute wasted by not spending it in an act of worship or goodness in order to forge better lifelong habits in the process.
Ramadan is not for inviting the wealthy while ignoring the poor; so when planning Iftars (the evening meal when Muslims break their fast), Muslims should remember to invite the needy and those who are usually forgotten.
Ramadan is not for losing control over stress, nerves, emotions, frowning, showing anger, or making excuses for letting ourselves vent or explode because “I am fasting and hungry.” It should be the opposite. In fact, fasting should teach people how to control their emotions, to be more patient, have a better balance of mind, body and soul, and how to smile more.
Finally, Ramadan is not for ‘acting as normal’. The road to Paradise is not easy; unless one struggles with every step on the journey you may lose the way.
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How to be a non-Muslim during the holy month
(in the office)
The month of Ramadan is a happy occasion; it is the month that the Muslim holy book, the Koran, was revealed to our Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are called by their religion to celebrate the month by coming together in worship, fasting each day for thirty 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:
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.
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!).
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 sandwich.
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. This is probably why you may not find your friend at the water cooler. Try switching the break time conversation to another location in the office. You should probably also let them skip their turn for the coffee run this time.
Halitosis. While God may tell us that the breath of the one fasting is like “fragrant musk” to Him, we know that you’re not God - and aren’t enjoying it. Understand why we’re standing a good foot away from you when speaking or simply using sign language to communicate.
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 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 is tradition to break the fast with a sweet and refreshing date before moving to a full-on dinner.
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 responsibilities. We believe that we are rewarded for continuing to work and produce during our fasts. Fasting is not a reason to push meetings, clear schedules, or take a lighter load on projects.
That said - we don’t mind if you help work in a nap time for us!
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.
- Lynz B
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