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by Carol Fleming - 07/15/2010
"This article explains what Ramadan is and how Ramadan changes routines and impacts on non-Muslim expatriates in the Kingdom."
Ramadan will commence in Saudi Arabia on or about the 11th of August depending on the sighting of the moon. If you are a new EFL teacher to Saudi Arabia it is important to understand the changed routines during Ramadan.
To begin with, it is important to have a basic understanding of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is followed in Saudi Arabia. During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims are expected to fast each day from sunrise to sunset, forsaking of both food and water. Muslims are meant to fast for the sake of Allah (God) and during the monthly fasting periods, learn patience, empathy for the poor and greater spirituality. Fasting is also considered a period of cleansing out the body too. At the end of Ramadan there is a three day period of joy and celebrations. This three day period is known as Eid-Al-Fitr. Eid-Al-Fitr represents the end of Ramadan at which time there are special prayers and families meet wearing their newest clothes to exchange gifts with one another in celebration.
During the Ramadan fasting period, business hours are shortened. No food or drinks are offered during any daytime meetings. Restaurants are closed during the day and open in time for the iftar, or breaking of the fast. Many shops and malls will have Ramadan hours where they will open later and stay open throughout the night.
After Muslims have broken their daily fast, the cities and streets become alive. Families will visit with one another as well as the malls will be packed with Muslims shopping in anticipation of Eid-Al-Fitr. This will result in great congestion in the streets. It is not uncommon for ATM machines to empty quickly and the banking networks to be overworked. An expatriate may want to have extra cash available in the event an electronic banking transaction will not go through.
Non-Muslim expatriates are not required or expected to fast with their Muslim colleagues and friends. However they are expected to be respectful during Ramadan and to not eat or drink in front of fasting Muslims. Expatriates should have greater patience for their Muslim colleagues as fasting during the day without food and water naturally makes the body weakened and the person fasting tired and sometimes grumpy.
Carol Fleming
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