There are ads on TV and radio here warning against road rage and other un-Islamic behaviors that come out when people are hungry, thirsty and tired. I think these ads should play year round, and probably worldwide.

Certainly! But, it seems that the Ramadan fasting would become less of a strain after a few days, even a week. My point is that it's surprising to me that the crabbiness and "un-Islamic behaviors" (as mentioned above) are that big of an issue.

Oh trust me it is. But you're right, it diminishes after a few days. By next week I won't be nearly as worried about driving. I'll still try to be home safe and sound from 6-7 PM, but during the day won't be so bad. From 6-7 is when people here are on their way to the mosque for the prayer that breaks the fast. They are in a big ole hurry and not in the right frame of mind to be driving so fast and swerving a lot.

I thought I'd share the Do's and Don'ts from expatwoman.com.


DO's and DON'Ts:

• No eating, drinking or smoking in public.
• Dress more modestly taking care to cover the shoulders, knees and chest area.
• Don’t play loud music in your home or car.
• No public displays of affection.

Things That Are Different:

• Some businesses change their opening hours- people are only supposed to work 6 hours a day during Ramadan.
• Some shops may close in the afternoon (1pm onwards) but most also stay open to later times.
• There is no live music allowed during Ramadan and of course no alcohol served during daylight - bars and restaurants do open in the evening though with light background music.
• Rush hour time changes from 6pm till 2pm as most offices close at that time.

Tips for non-fasters:

• There are restaurants and cafes that have a special licence open during the day for non- fasters and these will be screened off from public view so it is still possible to eat outside your home. Most hotels have an outlet open during the day too.
• If you work most offices will implement an area for eating and drinking - don’t have coffee or water at your desk as it may disturb your colleagues.
• If you are pregnant you are exempt from fasting but it is polite to still be discreet. Same with children - they do not have to fast too but it is always best to be discreet.
• Your car is classed as a public place so definitely no smoking in there - but a car can be a handy spot to grab a quick drink or bite as long as you are very discreet.
• You can also use restrooms in malls etc. to take a drink.
• Try and be patient with people who are fasting - it is tough and it is hot here. Ramadan is a time of peace and you should not shout or show anger.
• The roads do tend to become a little faster than normal just before Iftar time as people are rushing home to break their fast - take care or avoid driving at this time.

Ramadan is a very special time of year - so embrace where you are and join in - why not try fasting to see what it is like? Do something for charity in the spirit of the season - thinking about others less fortunate than ourselves.

The rule you mentioned may be used in some places where, at times, there may not be a sunrise or sunset, but otherwise it does not really seem to be taken into consideration. In general, Muslims fast based on the timings of Fajr and Maghrib prayers. Fajr is the first prayer of the day, which is about an hour before sunrise. Maghrib is the 4th prayer of the day, which takes place around sunset. Muslims in the New England area are fasting around 16 hours, from ca. 4 am until a little after 8pm. I have friends and relatives in Europe that are fasting up to approx. 17 hours depending on where they live. Also, depending on where you live, the start of Ramadan and the prayer times are based on different societies / councils. Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new moon. In otherwords, when you can just see a slight sliver of the moon. In the US, generally the rules of the Islamic Society of North America are followed. Many times they choose to follow calculations of when the new moon will be seen, rather than waiting to see if someone physically sees the moon in North America.

As for the crankiness mentioned in other posts, the first few days are the hardest, but it gets better. In my case, the limited sleep affects me more than the not eating or drinking anything. The last prayer of the day is around 9:45pm these days, so I don't get to bed until 10-10:30 and I have to be up and finished eating around 4am. I have a hard time falling asleep after eating in morning and have to get up around 7am to get ready for work. As a result of getting up to eat, I miss out on sleep. I am not always the nicest person when I am tired, but I adjust to the change in my sleeping pattern by taking naps at lunch and taking my lunch later in the day when I know I am more likely to be irritable.