cnn
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There are more than 8 billion people in the world. And about a quarter of them fast from sunrise to sunset. Every day. For a whole month.
It is Ramadan and it is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. In 2024, it will run from March 10 to April 19.
But what if you are not Muslim and are simply an attentive and considerate person? Is there anything you should do to avoid appearing insensitive to your friends who fast in the United States or abroad during Ramadan?
Short answer: No. Long answer: No.
But you can earn some cool points if you follow these 10 tips:
During the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims around the world will abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. That doesn't mean you shouldn't continue with your activities as usual. (Just turn a deaf ear to our growling stomachs.)
If you have to organize a brown bag, you should do it. But don't feel bad if we sit there, like a vegetarian friend at a steakhouse. The same goes for a happy hour party. If your Muslim coworker ignores you, understand.
You can do it if you want to see how it feels. But it won't hurt our feelings, even if we are best friends.
Iftar is the breaking of the fast after sunset. We like it to be a big community meal. You should come.
Ramadan is not like Christmas or Thanksgiving, since everyone knows exactly when it will fall. It bounces because the Islamic calendar is lunar. When it starts depends on when the new moon is seen. That is why the exact dates change from year to year.
The way we determine when Ramadan begins is decidedly old school: you have to physically see the moon (although there are apps for that). So if your coworker says, “Starting tomorrow, can I start work early so I can leave earlier?” He tries to accommodate you.
No, we can't drink. Not even water. But we will walk with you if you want to take a break.
One word: Halitosis. Try not to eat or drink throughout the day. That's why we stand a foot away from you when we talk.
There is no “war on Christmas” level controversy surrounding the greeting (it means “Happy Ramadan”). His Muslim coworker will appreciate the consideration.
Ramadan is not about that. Also, one of the side effects of Ramadan is obesity (it's all that overeating after sunset).
