Gulf countries start religious fast

Photo By Dustin Senger | Demetrius Williams, from Tacoma, Wash., waits for David Dalton, from Idaho Falls,...... read more read more

Photo By Dustin Senger | Demetrius Williams, from Tacoma, Wash., waits for David Dalton, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, to check his credentials while passing through an exit control point at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Aug. 22. Islamic officials announced the start of the holy month of Ramadan in Arabia. Muslims, members of the Islamic faith, are fasting during hot daylight hours in compliance with the five pillars of Islam, the framework of Muslim life. "It's good we're respecting the Islamic traditions in Qatar," said Williams, regarding the U.S. military installation policy requiring all outbound personnel wear slacks and long-sleeved shirts during daylight hours. "It's warm, but we do what we have to do."  see less | View Image Page

DOHA, QATAR

08.22.2009

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

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DOHA, Qatar — Islamic officials announced the start of the holy month of Ramadan in Arabia, Aug. 22. The period of fasting and purification for adult Muslims begins 10 or 11 days earlier each year, depending on the sighting of the new moon. This year, the Islamic holy month arrived at a time when most Gulf countries are surrounded by exceptionally humid summer temperatures. Muslims, members of the Islamic faith, are fasting during hot daylight hours in compliance with the five pillars of Islam, the framework of Muslim life.

Muslims represent a major religion with a reach across many nations. Population estimates vary greatly, but many suggest well over one billion Muslims worldwide — that's almost 25 percent of the world's total population. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month on the Islamic (lunar) calendar. Throughout North Africa and Southwest Asia, Islam is often the official religion and is officially supported under local laws.

Each day's fasting begins at sunrise, at the first break of light. It continues until the sun vanishes off the horizon. Regardless of nationality or religious faith, everyone residing in Islamic nations must always remain polite and discrete during Ramadan's daylight hours. Muslim nations in Arabia are governed under Sharia Law, a legal structure for regulating Islamic societies that is derived from the sacred writings of the Koran. Prohibition of public eating and drinking during the day is not merely a recommendation, it's the law.

Publicly ignoring daytime fasting requirements is highly offensive and quickly perceived as an attempt to entice a fasting Muslim into violating his or her religious duties. Employed expatriates or visiting tourists within nations governed under Sharia Law may spend the holy month in jail if seen drinking, eating or displaying affection in public during Ramadan's daylight hours.

"It's good we're respecting the Islamic traditions in Qatar," said Demetrius Williams, from Tacoma, Wa., regarding the U.S. military installation policy requiring all outbound personnel wear slacks and long-sleeved shirts during daylight hours in Qatar. "It's warm, but we do what we have to do."

Most businesses in Arabia adjust their operating schedules around non-fasting hours, taking advantage of cool early mornings and late evening patronage. Many shops remain open until after midnight. Numerous restaurants welcome patronage as late as 3 a.m., allowing Muslims an opportunity for a traditional light breakfast prior to resuming their daily fast.

Fasting Muslims undergo changes in their body and temperament. During the day, many drivers are dehydrated, hungry or possibly experiencing tobacco withdrawals. Tempers easily flare and car horns are heard more than usual. By evening, satisfying escalated appetites and thirst are of prime importance. Many drivers rush to get home once sunset is officially announced. According to traffic officials, many careless automobile accidents occur on the roads during Ramadan in Arabia.

Most Muslims are able to maintain their body weight and energy levels with daytime napping and consumption of at least two full meals before sunrise. A 1999 study by Kuwait University examined responses to exercise, fluid and energy balances during Ramadan in sedentary and active males. Interestingly, fluid and electrolyte levels were better maintained with active individuals; a likely response to greater fluid consumption and turnover. Throughout Ramadan, evening festivities in Arabia host numerous social activities that encourage activity. It's common to see people walking between residential locations, public parks and prominent mosques. Extravagant five-star hotels construct enormous Ramadan tents, full of Arabic and Asian cuisines and music, throughout the night.

According to the Kuwait study, the entire month of Ramadan presents varying changes in a Muslim's body. Mentally, the first one to two weeks of fasting are the most difficult since the body must adapt to the abrupt and drastic change in energy stores and nutritional support. The last two weeks of Ramadan can be physically harder on a person. Anemias are a common health concern in the Gulf countries and symptoms can become more evident toward the end of Ramadan. According to research, decreases in serum iron and platelet counts are only statistically significant in sedentary people but anyone with symptoms at other periods of the year need to pay special attention — women are generally prone to iron deficiencies.

The completion of Ramadan begins a period of excitement and celebration in the Gulf countries. Eid Al Fitr festivities immediately follow, celebrating religious achievements during the fast. The three-day holiday ignites a frenzy of celebrations and gatherings throughout Arabia. Eid is an important family holiday for Muslims, similar to the Christmas holiday season in Christian societies.

It's always important to remain courteous and understanding of Islamic traditions while in the Gulf countries. Tourists and expatriates must consider themselves as ambassadors to their country of origin, in which the holy month of Ramadan is a pivotal moment for maintaining healthy bilateral relationships with local populations. As the revolving religious period falls within Arabia's scorching summer days, learning to tolerate and mitigate the strain Ramadan places on daily routines and work environments will assure a safe and respectful outcome.