Christian Behavior During Ramadan
A Non-Muslim Guide for Respecting Islam during the Holy Month
Aug 21, 2007
Religious tolerance takes on a different meaning for those living outside a country where their religion is in the majority. At certain times, members of a minority religion expose themselves to situations that cause conflicts. At no time is this more insidious than during the holiest month in the Islamic year; the lunar month of Ramadan. Here are a few guidelines for Christians to follow that will reduce the chance of confrontation.
Ramadan
“Allah praised the month of Ramadan out of the other months by choosing it to send down the Glorious Qur’an, just as He did for all of the Divine Books He revealed to the Prophets. Imam Ahmad reported…that Allah’s Messenger said: ‘The Suhuf [Pages] of Ibrahim were revealed during the first night of Ramadan. The Torah [Jewish holy book] was revealed during the sixth night of Ramadan. The Injil [the Christian Bible’s New Testament] was revealed during the thirteenth night of Ramadan. Allah revealed the Qur’an on the twenty-fourth night of Ramadan’.”
During this month, Muslims are to refrain from eating, drinking and indulging during the daylight hours. But it is more than a simple fast. As Mr. Ashed Ali, Imam of the Mosque at Caahokala Kashmir, Pakistan said; “Ramadan is more than just not eating. It is a time to sacrifice, reflect and give….Every night after Iftar [the daily breaking of the fast] we are to pray, help the poor and then eat ourselves.”
The Conflict
Non-Muslims may find the tasks involved in Ramadan difficult to understand, let alone observe; however, they are willing to respect the custom. The conflict comes with the phrase, “respect the custom.”
Most Western nations are considered secular societies, which clearly separate Religion and Politics. However, in Islamic nations, the State must abide by the Religion. Conflict arises in the application! Western respect is considered tolerance, as understood in secular societies; while Muslim nations understand respect not only as human tolerance but also care for Islamic traditions and laws. Misinterpretation of this concept can be insulting during this sacred time.
Remedy
For the Non-Muslim living in an Islamic Nation, the solution is not that difficult. A few basic actions will allow one to comfortably co-exist with their Muslim neighbors.
- Learn the important holidays in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is based upon the lunar calendar so the dates change from year to year. Travelers can find this information beforehand and adjust their plans accordingly. Residents can find out the days in local papers, radio and TV.
- Learn the Islamic “do & don’t” of the holiday. You are not required to partake in Islamic laws but you should understand what is insulting to Muslims while they are fasting. Business will take things into account and usually provide for non-fasting individuals. Work will close from 1-4 PM (or end the day at 2 PM) so there is plenty of time to go home for lunch.
- Don’t get upset that your neighbors eat and socialize at midnight. The day begins after Iftar (sunset) and it is normal to see individuals up all night.
- Cars park everywhere during Iftar, so understand that a 2 lane road (one direction), completely blocked with parked cars outside a mosque, is also normal.
- Don’t walk around in provocative western clothes. Cities like Dubai and Bahrain are famous for Western dress; however, 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 short, low cut tops in public.
- Give a present to your neighbors or a worker you see. A box of dates after Iftar will go a long way in presenting your understanding of religious customs.
