How Not to Be Completely Ignorant About Ramadan
Ramadan started yesterday, so this week you may notice that your Muslim colleagues and friends are skipping lunch. The month of fasting marks the revelation of God from the Qur’an to Muhammad, and believers use this time to practice reflection and self-control. So, if you are not a Muslim, how can you be more considerate of those who are Muslim? Here are some tips from people who are Ramadan observers about what others would like to know.
First, the basic rules of Ramadan : During this entire lunar month, many observant Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This is a religious exercise in which people strive to become closer to God and their community . This is in part due to fasting during the day and a gala dinner at night. Since most of our life is focused on food, things can get awkward. So what needs to be done?
“I don’t care if you sing in front of me. Indeed, writes Naila Kelani of The Kitchn . If you can avoid it, that’s fine: reschedule your regular lunchtime meeting to another time of the day if you can. But you don’t have to tiptoe. Kelani writes that “unbridled apologies and theatrical food hide and seek are unnecessary.”
“Consider your questions,” writes Vice’s Sarah Hagi . Curiosity is natural, but “Even water?” this is what you can google and your Muslim friend is probably tired of explaining. It is also inappropriate to ask someone why they are not fasting, as this is personal. For example, pregnant or sick people are exempt from this rule, and that’s none of your business. However, Hagi is happy to talk about Ramadan and her faith with others. This is not a taboo subject.
But actually not even water. This means that a midday workout or even a walk outside on a hot day can get pretty frustrating. It’s also normal to feel tired at the end of your fasting day, so keep this in mind if you’re making plans. “One summer my best friend put a cold towel in the freezer to keep me cool, instead of offering me a glass of water,” Hagi writes. “It was one of the kindest and most thoughtful things ever done for me.”
“You don’t need to fast with us,” Kelani writes. It is not a political movement that benefits from solidarity; it is also not a diet to go on. However, you may be invited to interrupt your fast with a Muslim friend. Lunch at the end of the day, called iftar , is often a public holiday. (Pro tip: Bring a vegetarian snack.) And feel free to wish everyone Ramadan mubarak .
This post was originally published in May 2017 and was updated on April 14, 2021 to update the dates and links and bring it in line with the current Lifehacker style.