Even though we are not Muslims, Ramadan has a definite effect on our lives. These effects are both good and challenging. For instance, Liz gets to take advantage of reduced working hours and her regular 8-5 hours are reduced to 9-2. However, she is accustomed to drinking tea all day long she is not permitted to do so in her office. If she wants a cup of tea, she must go to a special room.
It is very common for businesses and especially restaurants to have special Ramadan business hours. For example, the McDonald's close to us is open from 6pm to 4am and offers take-away only from 6pm to Iftar (approx. 7pm). Muslims are compelled to fast during this month, from sunrise to sunset. During the fasting hours, they must abstain from food or drink of any kind including water, juice, or even chewing gum. They also abstain from smoking and if they listen to music it is religious in content. The UAE government supports the custom in a number of ways. Certain foodstuffs are subsidized during the month and food sellers are asked to pass the saving along to fasters. Indeed there are tents all over where a poor faster can enjoy an evening meal for free. Not all of these supports are completely generous. For instance, someone caught eating or drinking in public could receive a fine or even a prison sentence from the police although, with discretion, the officer may only give a warning.
Some people have asked if we are fasting. The short answer is no but we are trying to at least be in the spirit of it. Liz is fasting during her work hours. Myself I am trying to reduce my caloric intake during the whole month and I am no longer enjoying any lunches at the mall. To be honest though, as much as I like the idea of getting into the spirit of Ramadan, I think maybe my feelings are closer to the stereotypes of how Jews feel at Christmas parties. We are especially struggling to get any shopping done. We went car shopping at 10pm last week. Liz who held the only driver's license between us that night prefers not to drive at night but had to test drive a car while very tired on roads full of people with questionable blood sugar.
There are a few parallels between Ramadan here in the Gulf and Christmastime in the West. Malls are specially decorated and it is sale season. Special offers are abounding. Iftar feasts and buffets replace the Christmas Party. A general spirit of generosity abounds as giving to charity is part of the Ramadan custom. Young children may fast for a few hours in proportion to their age motivated by the thoughts of special treats and gifts from their parents. People are getting time off of work and spending more time with their families. It's nice. The customs of the fast also have a similar effect as the western custom of New Year's resolutions. Smokers who must already go most of the day without a cigarette often choose this month to end that habit. In general, Ramadan is a time to examine the habits in one's life and to take advantage of the time to reexamine then and make adjustments.
Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar. It moves forward in the solar calendar about 10 to 11 days each year. This fast is a particularly challenging one as it is falling around the longest days in the hottest part of the year. Imagine walking 20 minutes in 110degree heat with high humidity and being bound by your faith to not have a refreshing glass of water. One reason for the fast is so everyone can know what it means to go without even if just for the course of the day. I really respect and admire the devotion that Muslims have to this sort of thought and compassion. I know that I am not up for it myself.
In other news, I have not blogged about getting a job. I have been offered a 3 month contract to teach Physics at the UAE Naval College. The details of my teaching duty are still TBA as the Dean is on vacation and it is up to him to decide. All the same, I am very excited. I am currently in the process of security checks and degree attestations but the pay is generous and the work hours are great. This is all more than we expected and hoped for. The idea of this 3 month contract is to be a trial hire and with my success I should get a 3 year contract.
Oh and btw, we did end up buying a car. We decided to go with the mid-range Ford Fusion. It was on sale for Ramadan and I think it will be a great car for us. It just arrived in the port yesterday and is going through customs. After that, the dealer will prepare the insurance and the registration and we should be in the car as early as Saturday. After that, we will have to register to park it and buy a parking permit but that will be the last bureaucratic hurdle to tackle for awhile.
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