Job Discussion Forums

[nomad soul]

(Updated and reposted from 2012, http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=97227 )

The expected start date for the month of Ramadan 2013 is July 10. If you're slated to arrive in a Muslim country around the time of Ramadan and it's your first time in the region, I suggest you read up starting wth the following:

Traveling during Ramadan
(Source: www.fco.gov.uk)

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. You should be aware that levels of observance of Ramadan will vary in different countries and cultures but most Muslims will conform to some extent with the requirements of the fast - that they fast between dawn and sunset. This means they can't eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum during daylight hours. Muslims use this time of abstention for prayer, contemplation and charitable work.

If you're travelling to a Muslim country during Ramadan, you should be sensitive to the fast:

* Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public - many people will understand that you aren't under the same obligation to fast but will appreciate your awareness.
* In some Muslim countries, it's actually illegal to eat and drink in daylight during Ramadan.
* Some restaurants will close or operate amended opening hours during Ramadan.
* Restaurants that cater to tourists should open as usual but hotels will sometimes use screens to keep western diners sectioned off from Islamic guests.
* Business hours may become shorter in the day.

It's not impossible to travel or do business in Islamic countries during Ramadan, but different rules do apply. Seek local advice on arrival either from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Iftar - breaking the fast: Iftar is the time each day when the fast is broken and a meal is taken with family and friends. During Iftar there is additional pressure on taxis and other public transport, so it's a good idea to time your movements around avoiding having to travel at this time.

Eid - the end of the fast: As the end of Ramadan approaches, there is normally a lot of activity as people traditionally visit families to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the three-day festival marking the end of the fast. You should plan accordingly if you're planning to travel at this time.

See also http://www.arabianbusiness.com/ramadan-etiquette-413304.html?view=profile&itemid=413290

[dragonpiwo]

People will drive like loonies for the 'soup run' as the sun goes down, so avoid driving at sunset.

Really all they do is turn night in to day and vice versa.

I think it's meant to make people appreciate the hardship of poor people-so most do this by gorging themselves through the night.

The students get worse and worse as the month goes on.

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, it's true that many, if not most, Muslims have changed Ramadhan in the same way as Christians have done with Christmas (which is an excuse to spend tons of money on stuff no one needs in celebration of a man who preached austerity). Ramadhan, the time of fasting, means that the average food budget doubles or triples for the month and almost everyone gains weight.

But as teachers, who are we to rain on their parade. The students look at this month the same as students in the West look at Christmas. So, I just lowered my expectations and didn't bother to give any homework since it won't be done. Mostly because the month is a tangle of family obligations too and your students will be obligated to help entertain and serve guests... especially if you teach female students. Personally I found that the students got more relaxed as the month went on... used to their schedule... and were a bit more productive by the end of the month.

Just two bits of advice that I would add. Stay off the roads for an hour or two before sunset, if not more. Drivers are tired, hungry, thirsty, and over eager to get home...

And to add to the advice about not eating, drinking, or smoking in public... don't even chew gum.

VS

[cartago]

Here lots of restaurants are open downtown but hidden behind canvas. Lots of students I have who didn't wear headscarves before are now wearing them for Ramazan. The liquor stores are all closed. Those are the big changes.

[dragonpiwo]

Where are you in Iraq Cartago...up north?

[cartago]

Yes, Kurdistan.