Is it just me?
This ramadan is the first in 8+ years in the GCC where I have noticed flagrant eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. The people I've observed (about half a dozen - on separate occasions) all seem to be white/Western/Europeans.
Are they ignorant? Idiots? Or just plain rude? I've been so taken aback at their lack of respect not only for the culture here but also at their outright violation of the law.
I know I work with some people who "think" that because they are not muslim, they shouldn't have to follow the law. Huh? It's like saying I don't have to obey the speed limit because I'm a better driver than anyone else on the road. The law is the law - whether you like it or not.
Maybe they don't know they can be arrested and put in jail for up to 3 months? Maybe one person should be - to set an example for others? I don't know. I just think it's rude (let alone illegal)
Salam au alaikum!
I am a muslim from England and people are eating and drinking around me all the time here! IT DOES NOT bother me in the slightest!
I am fasting for my own reasons and that of the religion and belief.. you should not worry about what other people are doing and concentrate on yourselves and how to make it better for your fellow muslim brothers and sisters..
Islam is the greatest religion in the world! focus on the positives and ignore the negatives!
Ramadan Kareem!
Salam au alaikum!
I am a muslim from England and people are eating and drinking around me all the time here! IT DOES NOT bother me in the slightest!
I am fasting for my own reasons and that of the religion and belief.. you should not worry about what other people are doing and concentrate on yourselves and how to make it better for your fellow muslim brothers and sisters..
Islam is the greatest religion in the world! focus on the positives and ignore the negatives!
Ramadan Kareem!
I know that many Muslims will not be offended or even take this into consideration. Maybe it's just like speeding, it's not illegal until you get "caught".
However, I still think it is rude.
pleas add your forum in forum section this is questions section
pleas add your forum in forum section this is questions section
Just do what is best for you.
they are really idiots.. and they may end up being prisoned....
marycatherine you are most right on tha fact that these people not respecting the local customs should get a "punishment" to such an extent that the rest of those people out there understands that despite not practicing Islam they need and they must respect the locals.
The human being learning curve is based more on actions and consecuences; so maybe a little time in jail a nice hefty fine and a hassle will teach them about it.
I also know there are some muslims that do not care about what others do since this month "fasting" is an action betweem them and Allah. But in the end and despite that "we" not practitioners of Islam should be respectful for that.
Hope this message gets to those out there thinking thay "are entitled" to drink/smoke/eat since they are not muslims. C'mon people respect others so you can be respected.
Have a great weekend!!!
I haven't seen anyone eating, drinking or smoking during the fasting hours, except for a few laborers taking water. I would NEVER be disturbed by this and my fast isn't dependent on what others are doing. If it were my choice we would not have this law of fining people for what is normal behavior for the non-fasting person.
I saw a Westerner smoking a cigarette the other day and went up to him and said something to the effect of I don't mind but the fine and penalty is pretty hefty. He had no idea! Dunno where he's been (Mars?) but I'm glad I had a chance to enlighten him. He put it out immediately.
Dear, i don't think Islam as a religion forbids non- Muslims from eating in Ramadan since it is not an obligation for non Muslims to fast. I am not hurt if i see a non-Muslim eating or drinking, but what hurts me most is the too revealing cloths some non-Muslim people wear, and the kissing and cuddling in Puplic.This kind of behavor hurts the feelings of Muslims and is also against the law. I know that Eropean and American education teaches others to respect other cultures ,habits but i rarely see any evidence of this respect here.
Dear,i respect your feelings toward our religion,But let the other fellows to GO TO HELL!
You are good,listen all fingers are not same.
Dear, why are you so bothered by it? I think, as a Muslim, I shouldn't care as for what other people are doing in their lives. Yes I am fasting and consideration is appreciated but in reality, they think you are insane for fasting in the first place. When you are in the US or any other Non-Muslim country, everyone is eating around you. No one will care for what you believe in. I think you should look at the wider picture and accept this as jihad ilnaf and inshallah you will be rewarded for your practices.