To label the ninth ( and most holy ) month in the Islamic calendar , Muslims around the worldobserveRamadan . Often compared to Lent in Christianity and Yom Kippur in Judaism , Ramadan is all about constraint . For one calendar month , Muslims keep Ramadan fast during the day and then feed at night .
By abstain from food and water ( as well as sexual activity , smoking , fighting , etc . ) during daylight , Muslims strive to practice discipline , instill gratitude for what they have , and draw closer to Allah . To be respectful and not annoy observers , here are nine things you should never say or do to someone observe Ramadan .
1. DON’T JOKE ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS.
Although it might be tempting to joke about Ramadan being a good exculpation to lose exercising weight , it is a time for ghostlike reflection and is a serious matter . observer undertake the challenge of fast for spiritual and spiritual reasons rather than aesthetic ace . And , once the Lord’s Day sets each night , many Muslims prepare a heartyiftar(themealthat breaks the fast ) of dates , curry , rice dishes , and other pleasant-tasting foods . Thesuhoor(the pre - dawn meal ) is often tonic fruit , bread , tall mallow , and dish aerial that are high in character and complex carbohydrates . The idea of a cleanse is passably far from their minds .
2. DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS.
There are approximately1.8 billionMuslims around the world , but not all of them observe Ramadan the same way . Although most observant Muslims fast for Ramadan , do n’t assume that every Muslim you take on has the same methods , traditions , and attitudes towards fasting . For some , Ramadan is more about prayer , reading the Qur’an , and performing acts of charity than merely about predate intellectual nourishment and drink . And for those who may be exempt from the day-by-day fast , such as significant or nursing fair sex , the elderly , or those with various health conditions , they might not revalue the reminder from snoopy meddlesome - physical structure that they are n’t enter in the traditional way .
3. SAY “RAMADAN MUBARAK” INSTEAD OF “HAPPY RAMADAN.”
Rather than wishing someone a happy Ramadan , being more attentive with your choice of words can show that you translate and prise the sanctity of their holy month . aver " Ramadan Mubarak " or " Ramadan Kareem " are the traditional path to impart warm wishes — they both convey the unselfishness and blessings associated with the calendar month . The actual company comes after Ramadan , when Muslims celebrateEid al - Fitr , an up to three - day festival that involves tidy sum of food , time with kin , and gifts .
4. DON’T BE A FOOD PUSHER.
Even if the idea of not wipe out or drink all day might be unfathomable to you , do n’t campaign food onto anyone observing Ramadan . While fast all day for a month can make meek weariness , dehydration , and vertigo , do n’t prove to win over participate Muslims to eat or drink something — they are fully aware of any side effects they may finger throughout the mean solar day . Instead , be respectful of their decision to fast and bid to impart a handwriting with something like task , errand , or anything unrelated to food for thought .
5. ACCEPT THAT WATER ISN’T ON THE MENU.
Muslims who honour Ramadan do n’t sip any liquid during daylight . No water , coffee , teatime , or juice . Zilch . go without water is even harder than go without food , so be cognizant of the struggle and bear it . It ’s all part of the sacrifice and self - discipline inherent in Ramadan .
6. RESPECT PEOPLE’S PRIVACY.
Some Muslims prefer not to fast during Ramadan for medical or other personal reasons , and they may not revalue being badgered with questions about why they may be run through or drink rather than fast . tike and the elderly generally do n’t fast all twenty-four hours , and masses who are sick areexemptfrom fasting . Other condition that preclude fasting during Ramadan are maternity , breastfeeding , andmenstruation(although , if potential , people by and large make up the days later ) .
7. BE MINDFUL OF ENERGY LEVELS.
Eschewing nutrient and fuddle for hours at a time can causelethargy , so be aware that Muslims honour Ramadan may be more shopworn than usual . Your Islamic champion and coworkers do n’t stop working for an entire month , but they may pluck their schedules to provide for more rest . They may also stay indoors more ( to prevent overheating ) and ward off unnecessary physical activity to conserve energy . So , do n’t be scandalize if they are n’t down for a pick - up plot of hoops or soccer . We ca n’t all beelite jock .
8. DON’T OBSESS OVER FOOD AND HUNGER.
One of the bad things you could do to someone on a new diet is to obsess over all the cheeseburger , pizza pie , and cupcakes they ca n’t have . Similarly , most Muslims observing Ramadan do n’t need to have in - profoundness conversations about all the food and beverages they ’re avoiding . Be aware that you do n’t become the constant reminder of how many 60 minutes are left until sunset — just as you should n’t joke about free weight loss , you should n’t call attention to any hunger pang .
9. DON’T BE AFRAID TO EAT YOUR OWN FOOD.
Although it ’s nice to avoid talking about food in front of a fast Muslim , do n’t be afraid to deplete your own food as you normally would . Seeing other people eating and drinking is n’t dysphemistic — Muslims believe that Ramadan is all about forfeiture and ego - discipline , and they ’re aware that not everyone participate . However , perhaps endeavor to avoid scheduling dejeuner meetings or good afternoon barbeque with your Muslim colleagues and acquaintance . Any of those can surely wait until after Ramadan ends .
This story was republished in 2019 .
