Site Search:
 
Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Ramadan etiquette
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Middle East Forum
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:43 pm    Post subject: Ramadan etiquette Reply with quote

Ramadan begins on June 29 this year. Although this article is a couple of years old, it's still relevant.

Ramadan rules and regulations for non-Muslims
Yahoo! Maktoob | Jul 18, 2012
Source: https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/ramadan-rules-and-regulations-for-non-muslims-20120718.html

During the 30 days of Ramadan, fasting Muslims around the world will observe strict rules, including abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations between sunrise and sunset.

Non-Muslims, too, will be expected to respect the local culture in many Islamic countries, and should be aware of certain rules and regulations…

- There are strict fines in some Islamic countries, as well as possible jail time, for eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum in public – including in their own cars - during daylight hours. In the UAE, for instance, fines can range from AED2,000-2,500 and/or a one- or two-month jail sentence. Getting let off with a warning is a possibility, but not guaranteed. In Egypt, citizens and foreigners can be arrested for a misdemeanour offence if caught, while in Indonesia penalties can include flogging.

- While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, showing courtesy and consideration for those who are fasting is expected.

- During the day, non-Muslims can eat in designated areas, usually behind screens. Some hotels, shopping mall food courts and restaurants will remain open – but discreetly – so it is best to plan ahead by calling them to find out. Most outlets will deliver food during the day as well.

- Similarly, most offices have designated areas where you can eat or drink. It is considered common courtesy not to do so in front of your fasting colleagues.

- Learning a few Ramadan greetings can show your respect for the Islamic culture. In Arabic, it is customary to say "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak", which basically translates into "May you have a generous/ blessed Ramadan".

- Do accept Iftar invitations from friends or colleagues, as this will provide you with a way of learning more about the customs and traditions of Ramadan.

- Ramadan is a month for peace and piety, so abstain from swearing and using offensive language or gestures in public, as this is considered disrespectful.

- Ramadan is also a time for giving and charity, so do your bit by donating to your favourite charity or volunteering.

- Because fasting also includes abstaining from sexual contact, any public displays of affection are considered disrespectful, too.

- Modest dress is advisable, so do cover up. Women should wear loose, long-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts or trousers, while men should wear long trousers.

- Work hours for most banks, offices and government organisations will be reduced by at least two hours, so make sure you find out the new timings. Public transport schedules (such as for the Dubai Metro) and paid parking hours will also change during the month.

- Live music is banned in public places during Ramadan but recorded music may be allowed. While bars remain open at night, most night clubs are closed. Likewise, playing loud music either in cars or in private residences is considered impolite and should be avoided.

- Some Muslims are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, so do not be surprised to see them eating as usual. These include the sick, elderly, pre-pubescent children, nursing mothers, pregnant or menstruating women and travellers.

(End of article)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
caliph



Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Location: Iceland

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

During Ramadan it is extremely dangerous to drive in the hour or so before the end of the fast. Especially now, with very long fasting times, fasters are in a crazed state to get home to break the fast. They haven't eaten or drank for 14 or so hours, so their reasoning may not be functioning at a high level.

Be extremely careful and drive defensively if you are on the road.

Also, in the UAE, (and probably elsewhere on the peninsula), drunk driving arrests among local nationals is higher than the rest of the year.

Ramadam Karim!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
The Fifth Column



Joined: 11 Jun 2014
Posts: 331
Location: His habitude with lexical items protrudes not unlike a damaged pollex!!!

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 8:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Also, in the UAE, (and probably elsewhere on the peninsula), drunk driving arrests among local nationals is higher than the rest of the year.


Oh! You must be new to this part of the world. Alcohol is absolutely forbidden to Muslims...especially during Ramadan!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
caliph



Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Location: Iceland

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 10:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You think?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
The Fifth Column



Joined: 11 Jun 2014
Posts: 331
Location: His habitude with lexical items protrudes not unlike a damaged pollex!!!

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 10:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So I've been told.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
plumpy nut



Joined: 12 Mar 2011
Posts: 1652

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Fifth Column wrote:
Quote:
Also, in the UAE, (and probably elsewhere on the peninsula), drunk driving arrests among local nationals is higher than the rest of the year.


Oh! You must be new to this part of the world. Alcohol is absolutely forbidden to Muslims...especially during Ramadan!


Alcohol is forbidden period in the KSA, it doesn't keep them from driving and drinking in the KSA.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 5:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The point is for expats not to be out violating the law. Focusing on what the nationals do is moot.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
The Fifth Column



Joined: 11 Jun 2014
Posts: 331
Location: His habitude with lexical items protrudes not unlike a damaged pollex!!!

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 3:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Where is the inimitable (unnamed board member) for probing, in-depth queries of this issue?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
caliph



Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Location: Iceland

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

At a post Iftar darts competition at "The" Club in Abu D., some Emiraties won, they got a trophy cup which they filled with Johnny Walker (Black) of course, and passed it around until it was empty.

Normally the Emiraties would wrap a damp paper napkin (serviette) around their glass in the belief that the almighty would not see the contents of the glass.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
SirAristede



Joined: 26 May 2014
Posts: 83
Location: Salmiya, Al 'Āşimah, Kuwait

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 6:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Fifth Column wrote:
Where is the inimitable (unnamed board member) for probing, in-depth queries of this issue?


Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 6:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I live in a place where no one is even aware of the existence of Ramadan !
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 11:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

caliph wrote:
Normally the Emiraties would wrap a damp paper napkin (serviette) around their glass in the belief that the almighty would not see the contents of the glass.

It is not the almighty that they are worried about, but their non-drinking fellow Muslims. After all, a Haj clears all the sins away with the almighty...

I find it all rather similar to the Victorians... all is well as long as it is behind closed doors and no one see you.

VS
(and there is the detail that nowadays, in the US, Christmas starts sometime in September with the decorations in the stores and carols and the ads ads ads...)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
caliph



Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 218
Location: Iceland

PostPosted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 4:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Non drinking muslims are not usually found at "The" Club.

Drinking muslims come here because they feel more relaxed than in hotels where they may encounter non-drinking friends.

"The" Club has seven bars, but the locals tend to congregate in the Al Sarab, which serves arab food.

http://www.the-club.com/facilities/diningentertainment/alsarab
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Pikgitina



Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 420
Location: KSA

PostPosted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

caliph wrote:
"The" Club has seven bars, but the locals tend to congregate in the Al Sarab, which serves arab food.


And you can smoke there.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
2buckets



Joined: 14 Dec 2010
Posts: 515
Location: Middle East

PostPosted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can smoke everywhere except the beach. They put up a wall of tarps to block the view from the sea, so you can eat, drink and smoke all day if you choose. A few activities normally banned during Ramadan are not permitted.

Every year they must get permission from the powers that be to do this, so it may vary from year to year.

Ramadan Karim!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Middle East Forum All times are GMT
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

Teaching Jobs in China
Teaching Jobs in China