Mój pracodawca zlitował się nad tymi, którzy nie mają wcześniejszych doświadczeń z Ramadanem. Tylko tydzień po jego rozpoczęciu dostałem wskazówki jak się w tym czasie należy zachowywać. Oto punkty warte odnotowania:
Non-Muslims are urged to respect Ramadan. The following outlines some key points about Ramadan.
- Don’t get upset that your neighbours eat and socialize at midnight. The day begins after Iftar (sunset) and it is normal to see individuals up all night.
- Cars are parked everywhere during Iftar, so understand that a 2 lane road (one direction), completely blocked with parked cars outside a mosque, is normal. Peak hours of traffic are usually late evenings and just before/after prayer time.
- It is important to dress appropriately. Don’t walk around in provocative western clothes during Ramadan – this attire is insulting. Men should wear pants and a shirt while women should wear either long dresses or a conservative top and pants: no tight pants, sweaters, blouses or low cut tops in public.
- Ensure that you do not eat, drink or smoke in the open during the fasting days until dusk. In your own home you may do as you please. So long as it is not in public, you are free to eat and drink to your heart’s content.
- You may also find that driving becomes more haphazard, so be extra careful behind the wheel and extra vigilant.
- If you are caught eating or drinking in public this usually means a verbal warning, however short jail sentences have been known to occur to those abusing the religious law. Generally speaking the police are lenient, but do abide by these rules to avoid confrontation.
- Keep stereos on a low volume in your home, so as not to disturb your Muslim neighbours during the day.