Ramadan for dummies

Wednesday, August 11th marked the start of Ramadan. Ramadan does not occur on the same day each year or even the same time of year. Actually, it a fluid holiday marked by the sighting of the crescent moon. Very different than we are used to in the States. We always know what to do on Feb 14th, 4th of July, Dec 25th, etc)is not a set holiday like we are used to in the States (Feb 14th, July 4th, Dec 25th, etc)

The holy month for Muslims is marked by fasting during daylight hours and (Iftar) feats at night with friends and family to celebrate the breaking of the fast. The top 10 things I have learned/experienced about Ramadan:

10. QTel (the local telephone company) sends everyone a text message in Arabic to let everyone know that the crescent moon was spotted and Ramadan has officially begun. At least that is what I think the text message said...
9. Extra conservative dress is expected. Definitely cover knees, shoulders, and wear loose fitting clothing. Rules apply to men and women.
8. Abstain from drinking, crewing gum, or smoking during daylight hours (good thing Ramadan this year is happening during the hottest part of the year-those poor outdoor workers)
7. After the month, there is a EID holiday which enables Muslims and non-Muslims to get several days of work off. My understanding this is a crazy time for travel. Very interested to see how crowded the Doha airport is at 2:15am for my flight to Istanbul, Turkey. :)
6. Each day of fasting is celebrated by a breaking of the fast or Iftar dinner. Most of the local holidays host an Iftar dinner so the non-Muslims can experience a true Muslim tradition. Hoping to attend one myself....
5. Grocery shopping during Ramadan is worse than the day before Thanksgiving. I was shocked! A Muslim lady gave me the dirtiest look because apparently my shopping cart was impeding her cart's space.
4. All non-Muslims are expected to "respect" our fasting friends by concealing any food or drink during daylight hours. What does that mean.....all non-Muslims crowd into the pantry at work to get a few precious sips of coffee. Or it could mean that non-Muslims stick water bottles down their pants to get the water from the pantry to one's office (or maybe that last one was just me??)
3. The floor where the "canteen" is located is known to non-Muslims at the "sin floor"
2. Stores, government offices, etc all have modified hours,which means they are closed during the day and open around 7pm and are open late. (or if you are the Asian restaurant I visited with Sybil and David last night, your hours are fluid-see picture below) When I asked a Qatari what is there to do during the day during Ramadan, he replied with a smile "sleep". So, yesterday I did as the locals did...took a nap!
1. There is no telling Americans they can not eat during the day. All you have to do is fog the restaurant window so no one can see what is going on inside and enter through a side door. What do you have inside...A lot of happy Americans eating a nice breakfast buffet. Thanks to Sybil and David, I was able to experience eating out during Ramadan the American way.