Ramadam

I am all for observing mores on holidays. While deployed to the Middle East these past two years, I was able to witness Ramadan in Bahrain. I was peacefully eating my lunch on the pier my ship was moored to. I had just sat down and took a sip of lemonade, when 2 locals walked up to me and started talking to me in Arabic. I had no idea what they were saying, but judging by their expressions, volume of their voice, and body language, they seemed to be quite angry with me. I guessed that food wasn't allowed on the pier, so I gathered up my lunch, walked down the brow, and boarded my ship. I walked to the aft of the ship, and proceeded to ingest my lunch. Those same 2 locals spotted me, and started going at it again. I lost my appetite, threw my lunch in the garbage, went below decks and took a nap instead.

Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve. During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.

I still believe in observing mores on holidays, but as a foreign visitor to a Muslim nation, I must be careful to respect local customs in order not to cause offense.

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