During the month of Ramadan iftar’s (breaking of the fast) become a special time. Iftar’s can be shared events with family and close friends, even if some of the friends may not be Muslim. It is an honor for a Muslim to share the rites of Ramadan.
If a Non-Muslim is invited to an iftar there are some rules of etiquette and protocol that must be followed. The most important is to not only arrive ON TIME but perhaps five to ten minutes early. Remember, the hosts have been fasting all day and are not going to hold up an iftar for a late arrival.
The breaking of the fast will generally begin with dates, Arabic coffee and water. The dates provide instant energy and help take the edge off of the hunger that one feels after fasting all day. Depending on the customs of the family, this initial breaking of the fast may take place with everyone sitting on a carpet on the floor or it could be at a table or seated in a salon. Breaking the fast sitting on the floor together does give one the traditional feeling of Ramadan from many years past and in my opinion provides a special closeness among participants.
Some families after breaking the initial fast will then go and pray. A non-Muslim may simply wait and relax while 
everyone prays. If a Muslim woman does not join the family to pray nothing should be said or commented about that. She is likely having her monthly menses and women do not pray during that time.
After prayer or in some cases directly from the initial breaking of the fast the group will shift to the dining room where food will be served. Many families like to start their dinner with a lentil or wheat based soup accompanied with sambosas. The soup is light, appetizing and very tasty. Families are careful not to partake of heavy food too soon after breaking the fast. Once the soup has been finished then there will likely be a variety of dishes, some traditional such as jereesh or garcon and some more Western like fish and chips. The meal will generally end with a variety of fresh fruits offered but do not think that is the end of the iftar.
Many families after having some fresh fruit will retire to their salons and have traditional Saudi tea. Once several glasses of tea have been consumed, desserts are usually offered. During Ramadan it is common to have a variety of sweet desserts rich in honey or cheeses. By the time the desserts have been consumed with another glass of tea it is generally time for the evening prayer. At this point the iftar dinner can be considered over and a guest may make his or her departure.
Last of all, an iftar, as with any invitation to a home, it is typical for the guest to bring a gift. During iftar it is nice for the guest to bring a dessert that can be shared.
Filed under: Charity, culture, expat, expatriates, Food, friendship, islam, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi blogs, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi Living, Uncategorized Tagged: | culture, customs, heritage, islam, KSA, Ramadan, religion, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs
I’ve not been invited to an iftar, but last year a colleague of my husbands wanted to come over to share time with us but we were not home. He had called my husband and we had to beg off and apologize. When we arrived home on our porch was a bag with two homemade dishes in it. We really enjoyed the food very much and I sent the bowls back filled with treats…very nice!
Great advice. Also depending on the family, the iftar may be eaten together, both genders at the same table, or seperate, but in the same room. But most often the men and women will seperate to different rooms, so that the women can feel comfortable and take off their “outdoor clothes,” as I like to call it.
For Non-Muslims just be prepared to be seperated from your spouse, and for the ladies, do not be shocked when you see the ladies in their “indoor clothes” (pants, dresses, skirts, high heels and all done-up).
I had to laugh at the comment to be on time. I beleive Iftar is the only time Saudis aren’t on “ish” time:-)
Its very common in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (and even some states of South India) to invite non-Muslims and do iftar together in MOSQUE (Unfortunately, I dont see this in North India). People who pass through the roads beside mosques are also invited. I haven’t seen any1 (Muslim or Non-Muslim) who bring gift/food but I see them contributing in mosque’s donation box.
In Malaysia/Singapore, there is no complete segregation (i.e. different rooms etc) of men and women but sit separately side by side. I also see group of men/women serving women visitors.
But, on the day of EID, Muslim/Non-Muslim friends are invited at HOME. Very close, Muslims/Non-Muslims visit their friend’s home WITHOUT even invitation in North East part of India.
Celebrity/politicians often hosts Iftar party which consits of people from all faiths, which has become very common practice in India.
Linda beat me to it…I was going to comment that Ramadan is the only time you can pinpoint a meal…when adhan for mahgrib sounds out…dinner time. Dont be late. 😉
Not to spoil the ravenous appetite, but Ramadan has become an excuse for profligate consumption by the haves while the have nots are scavenging the garbage dumping ground to eat from what the well-to-do through away after loading themselves with 10 times the collieries they need for a healthy living. Ramadan is a time when most public and private activities come to a daunting and grinding halt except for the labor free oil spigots.
Is not fasting supposed to be very humbling, contemplative, frugal and above all, personal not a collective eating and drinking orgy? Well, what do I know, I live with infidels who work at least 8 hours a day and get three days break even during their most revered holiday, Fourth of July when the yoke of tyranny was declared an acceptable.
I have always enjoyed iftar. A few years ago, I was invited for iftar feast and was so full by the end of the evening. The host was of Persian decent and I was told always eat everything that is served to you-just clean your plate. Ahhh, the host was so pleased that I had more food thrown on my plate and had to eat all up again.
Before i was married ot F , Our whole clan would get invited to Eid by his uncle and aunt and boy did they bring out the “top gun desserts”.. Every evening his aunt would send a special vegetarian dish to our house.. ( the whole of ramadhan) and once we were engaged, and if we were home, i was the special invitee… so after having eatenthe whole dya i’d still stuff myself inthe evenng.
Nowadayas with just the 2 of us , iftar is nothing special.. just regular food. i do try and make something special inthe weekends.
Like someone said, atleast in s.india ( hyd) Eid is celebrated quite communally, if you have friends who are muslim and especially if you are a student ( you will have atleast a few muslims in your class) you are gyuaranteed ot be invited for a feast, even otherwise we’d go to our classmates homes and wish them and they had no choice but to feed us 🙂 actually on Eid we’d get money too !!!!
@ali alyami,
I havent seen glutton and waste of food in Ramdan in my life.
However, I heard it from others in a few Arab countries like Saudi, Bahrin, Qatar, Kuwait.
In Ramdan, we invite poor, orphans for iftar, dinner.
Here is very nice and funny video.
“Don’t Make Ramadan an Eating Contest!!”:
Ali, I’m fine with it if they want to eat themselves silly. It is the WASTE that bothers me. They won’t eat leftovers so they throw it away? Seriously? The poor and starving won’t eat leftovers? I think someone should start a business where they go to parties and weddings and collect up all the food and repackage it for the needy.
In the 9 years that my daughter has been Muslim I have received 1 Iftar invitation and I have received 1 Christmas card/present and they were not even from the same people (and no they for sure weren’t from my daughter either LOL).
Azad, I don’t know about Singapore but Malaysia and Indonesia are getting bad press right now for their lack of tolerance for those of different beliefs. Do you think we’ll hear of an Indonesian Muslim inviting his Ahmadi friend over for Iftar?
Dear Lynn,
Indonesia is an 4th most populous country in world.
Its population is 237,556,363.
Even though a handful of people try to hijact its peace and harmony, generally Indonesian and Malaysian share same culture and tolerance.
I went to one of the island in Indonesia for holiday, I find them quite warm and peaceful. They live in peace with people of different culture and faith. But as we know velocity of bad news is much faster than that of good news.
Very often, politicians try to divert attention of people for their political gains so that they can save their chair.
And I went and lived in Malaysia a number of times. I can say that Malaysia and Singapre were togather before and still same share sense of tolerance.
Dear Lynn,
I tried to get a very balanced article from the people(British expats) who lived in Malaysia. I think u can read and visit once in ur life for holiday. Its really nice place for holiday.
http://britishexpats.com/articles/malaysia/retiring-in-malaysia/
However, no place is perfect in this world, u will hear some sort of negative things always. But, as per my experience in these countries during Eid/Ramdan, u will find many non-Muslims in Mosques eating and spending time together.
@Azad ‘Very often, politicians try to divert attention of people for their political gains so that they can save their chair.’
Please explain how that comment is related to the increasing religious intolerance that can be found in Malaysia and Indonesia right now.
Azad, did you know any Ahmadis in Indonesia or Malaysia?
Azad, that article was from 2005. Six years is a long time and the Wahhabi influence may not have been as strong then. Could you find an article about the glorious retirement life of an Ahmadi in Malaysia or Indonesia?
Lynn,
I think u might have read the link I gave. Havent u?
Let me give an example how politicians instigate people.
HIndus worship cows and consider cow as holy and Muslims eat cows. No Muslim/Hindu mind each other.
Suddenly, a Hindu political leader comes up and say see Muslims are eating what we worship. Then common gullible Hindus start saying that yes he is saying right. Thus a feeling of anger, hatred is created slowly.
Similarly, Hindus use some sort of bells in Temple and that produce sounds. No Muslim/Hindu mind each other. Suddenly a Muslim politian comes up and say see how Hindus create problems with bells in their temples during our prayer time, iftar time etc, why they will build temples near every mosque so and so. Then common gullible Muslims start saying that yes he is saying right. Thus a feeling of anger, hatred is created slowly.
This is how politicians can fill hatred in the minds of common people. This is applicable with any relgion, faith not necessarily Muslim/Hindus only.
ali alyami: “Is not fasting supposed to be very humbling, contemplative, frugal and above all, personal not a collective eating and drinking orgy?”
I can personally testify as a witness to the “orgy” of drinking and eating during ramadan, when we lived in India/Pakistan some thirty years ago. It was sad to see ramadan fasting as a pure islamic deception.
The Muslim claim, that Ramadan fasting brings a whole host of benefits and wellbeing to them, is a myth and pure deception. Instead, the unscientific eating habit of Ramadan is a health and economic curse for Muslims, which is all too evident to the naked eye. What Muslims say or practice may not always have a positive meaning. Most of the times, their claims could be quite opposite, bogus, or deceptive to non-Muslims. Their religious rituals and sayings, in reality, could have totally opposite meaning.
The main purpose of Ramadan fasting, claim Muslims, is to practice economic belt-tightening, self-struggle, and self-purification—in order to be economical and also to starve oneself for realizing the painful condition of the hungry and starving people. In other words, fasting is for reducing economic expenditure or pressure, as well as practicing self-restraint by reducing indulgence in personal luxury, lusts, or comfort etc. But, in reality, Muslims do the opposite!
From my personal observation, at least in India/Pakistan, Muslims fasting during Ramadan, practice a total orgy of eating and drinking more delicacies, albeit during night instead of day time. From quite a few iftars that I was invited to, a typical fasting Muslim may consume double the amount of most nourishing, delicious and luxurious food items compared to his normal eating habit. Monthly expenditure for a typical family duly doubles or triples during Ramadan as compared to monthly expenditure during rest of the year. That means, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are engaged in greater spending spree than other months of the year. Instead of sacrificing self-comfort and self-interest and luxuries, Muslims indulge in gorgeous month-long celebration of vigorous spending and eating orgies.
Remarkably, it is worth noting their weird culture of, what indians/pakistanis themselvessarcastically call Iftar-Party Politics or IPP. One can witness how much foods they gobble in this month-long unholy activities of IPP. It is almost a competition of eating tasty and expensive food items of as many varieties as they can afford in this IPP.
This is what they call exercise of self-restraint for realizing the pains of the poor and hungry??? As if, poor people eat so much foods (which they try to simulate so piously) and still remain hungry!
Then we can ask the British expats to write a new article(there is question/answers too in that forum, some1 will reply). I have travelled a number of times in last year and I dnt hear any case of Ahmedia issue and Wahabi. I heard from u only.
@ Lynn,
Ahmadis as well as Shiites, Bahais and even Sufis are considered heretics by most Saudi hard core Sunnis. That’s why The Jaffaris of Eastern Saudi Arabia and Ismaelis of Najran cannot be judges or teachers in public schools.
“fasting is for reducing economic expenditure or pressure”
——————————————————————
@harry,
Never heard that Muslims fast to reduce expenditure or tighten economy in my life but heard from u only and we dont fast to save money.
Re: Ahmadis in Indonesia
It is interesting to note that Azad completely side-stepped the question about Ahmadis, to a question posed by Lynn. :)- I don’t think Azad considers Ahmadis as “muslims” but kafirs.
BTW, one notable Ahmadi, Professor Abdus Salam, who won the nobel prize in physics in the 80s, chose to be buried in his native pakistan. His tombstone was defaced by removing the word “muslim”, and the govt of pakistan did nothing.
Such a shabby treatment of someone who was the first “muslim” EVER to win the noble prize in physics. Indonesia is getting up there quickly to be on par with pakistan in its treatment of “religious” and “cultural” minorities.
Dear Harry,
What u are saying might be few cases. Specially in case of Iftar Party hoisted by politicians/celebrity, they dont do it for the purpose of Ramdan spirit but for some kind of political purpose. Kindly note that political Iftar party is often hoisted by non-Muslims (and very rarely Muslims) to publish in public media or for political gains. Obviously when the purspose is different they do some kind of show off with different variety of food (but I am not sure if they gobble up food unportionately). Its not only Muslims who eat in Iftar party but a large number of non-Muslims, may be more than Muslims.
Here is a very nice article by a renowned Muslim writer abt political Iftar party in India:
“Indian Muslims want jobs, not Iftar”
http://www.dailypioneer.com/202105/Indian-Muslims-want-jobs-not-Iftar.html
But for common Muslims in South Asia, we try to eat lightly so that we may not feel sleepy in long hours prayer or whole night prayer.
So, what u said is really not a common norm.
Azad: “I have travelled a number of times in last year and I dnt hear any case of Ahmedia issue and Wahabi”.
Azad, where have you been :)- Indonesia (and Malaysia where Christians can’t use the word “allah” in both written/verbal forms) have been in the news quite frequently. Here are some recent headlines related to ahmadi muslims:
Indonesian officials shrug off light sentences given to members of mob who lynched Ahmadis
Indonesia: Members of frenzied mob that killed 3 Ahmadis get a few months in jail
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_696143.html
@Azad – ‘I have travelled a number of times in last year and I dnt hear any case of Ahmedia issue and Wahabi’
Well, good thing I am here to open your eyes! You like to Google things. Go ahead and do a quick Google on Ahmadis in Indonesia.
Look, I found you something from 2005
http://www.thepersecution.org/y2005jul.html
‘This is how politicians can fill hatred in the minds of common people’
Actually Azad, I think it is the ‘People’ influencing the ‘Politicians’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/15/indonesia-blasphemy-sectarian-violence-philip
Azad, go ahead and continue to bury your head in the sand and pretend that the ugliness does not exist if that is what you need to do but the rest of us that ARE paying attention to reality will know the truth and make sure to spread it in the hopes of drawing attention to and hopefully stopping it.
It is interesting to note that Azad completely side-stepped the question about Ahmadis, to a question posed by Lynn. :)- I don’t think Azad considers Ahmadis as “muslims” but kafirs.
—————————————————-
Dear Harry,
Sincerely speaking (I am fasting and not telling lie), I havent met any Ahamediya Muslim in my life, I havent heard any issue with Ahmedia in life, I hear from u guys. For, ur info I have very close Shia Muslim as my friend. Reality is that non-Muslims like u knows more than Muslims about all these issues. These are out of reach for common Muslims.
Forget Ahmedia, see how many Hindus, Christians, Budhists u find in Malaysian, Singapore, East Indian, Indonesian mosques during Iftar. They will not ask ur relgious card too when u go and eat.
‘I don’t think Azad considers Ahmadis as “muslims” but kafirs’
But see, that shouldn’t matter with TRUE religious tolerance, right?
‘I am fasting and not telling lie’
So, when you are NOT fasting we should question your integrity?
Azad, where have you been 🙂
——————————
Harry,
When I go to the places I enjoy the life with warm nature of people, nice environmental nature, scenes. I dont ignore those beautiful things and google to find negative things to ruin my holiday and to nullify good things.
As I said before, no country is perfect. Let me know some really 100% peaceful country where hatred is not there.
U think entire US/Europe tolerant, inspite of Quran buring in US, anti-Islam campaign in europe, cartooning of Muhammad and mockey, personal attack on Muslims, passing comment when they see veiled Muslim women then why u are surprised to see some isolated case in malaysia?
U will see holiday for Chrsitains, Hindus, Budhistis in these Muslim countries irrespective of their population but u will not find holiday for Muslim’s Eid in a single country in Entire Europe even when thre are 5 million Muslims in UK, 7 million Muslims in france, 4 million in Germany. Agree?
Can we learn both plus and minus?
Overall, they live peacefully with each other and so I say they are peaceful but I didnt say that they are perfect.
So, when you are NOT fasting we should question your integrity?
———————————————————
Dear Lynn,
I am really tired and bored to reply such questions. U know what I mean. I know a Muslim is generally considered liar as I read many times in this forum from bloggers.
‘I havent met any Ahamediya Muslim in my life, I havent heard any issue with Ahmedia in life, I hear from u guys’
I find that so very odd but I am glad that we have been able to open your eyes. Perhaps in the future before you want to go off talking about something (or some place) as if you are an authority on it you might want to do a little research first.
So even this thread also turned into something? Ultimately its proved that there is nothing good in Muslim/Islam.
People are showing their true colors.
Enjoy and jump in antagonism!!
‘Ultimately its proved that there is nothing good in Muslim/Islam’
No, see that is what YOU are seeing in what is being said here. It is not what is actually being said. You started by attempting to spread false information about the supposed ‘tolerance’ in Indonesia and Malaysia and we are just trying to show you the truth, not about Muslims but about your ‘facts’.
My question was:
‘Azad, I don’t know about Singapore but Malaysia and Indonesia are getting bad press right now for their lack of tolerance for those of different beliefs. Do you think we’ll hear of an Indonesian Muslim inviting his Ahmadi friend over for Iftar?’
I see now that you cannot answer that question because you have not been aware of the lack of tolerance in the places that you praise for their tolerance. Ignorance IS bliss, isn’t it?
Ignorance IS bliss, isn’t it?
———————————————
Dear Lynn,
It can be applied to u too right? U should know that one incident doesnt nullify entire good things. I said what I saw and feel. I didnt say about Kuwait or Saudi that I dnt know right? Difference is u hear and I see with my own eyes. U got one article and u said its already old.
In these intolerant Malaysia or Indonesia any chrsitain, Budhist, Hindu, Sikh doesnt need to work on their festival and no nun is attacked for wearing veil but a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Budhist has to work on their festival in US or any European countries. It doesnt mean that entire Eurpoe/US is completely intolerant. Agree?
As I said no country is perfect. Please reply one thing.
Do u consider that US or Europe is tolerant? or lack of tolerant or full of tolerant towards other races, religion, black?
Does one or 2 incident measure the tolerance level of a country and give judgment? I suggest u to go and visit and spend sometimes to check reality.
Please ask urself with clean heart and u dnt need to reply. I dnt think I should talk much unnecessarily when I fast.
Bye and take care.
@Azad Ali Shah
“Do u consider that US or Europe is tolerant?” Yes, very much so.
Any Muslim of any religious orientation can worship openly and freely and treated equally under the rule of law in the West.
Can non-Muslims worship openly and freely and be treated equally under the Shariah law?
The most prominent movie stars in India are Muslims. How many Hindu movie stars in Pakistan? Facts speak for themselves.
Given the massacres in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Pakistan and Afghanistan as we speak does not say much for Islam or Muslim, or am I wrong.
@Azad – Re: Ignorance is bliss – ‘It can be applied to u too right?’
Of course but, unfortunately, we have this damned internet and being that I am a news junkie I can’t seem to be able to get myself back into that blissfully ignorant state. One of these days I should shut down this computer and sit and watch ‘I love Lucy’ re-runs until my last day.
‘Do u consider that US or Europe is tolerant?’
I can’t speak for Europe but the US IS tolerant and by that I mean not only do I not know anyone (besides my Muslim daughter) that does not believe in our laws which call for religious freedom.
http://www.bepress.com/mwjhr/vol4/iss2/art1/
‘While freedom of religion is guaranteed for individuals in the Malaysian Constitution, some states in Malaysia have penalised Muslims who renounced the Islamic faith. Although there is no death penalty for apostasy in Malaysia, apostates are subject to punishments like fine, imprisonment and to a certain extent whipping. In certain states, apostates are detained at the rehabilitation centre for up to 36 months. These have brought concern to human rights activists because such punishments and detention may seem contrary to the right to freedom of religion enshrined under Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 5(1) that guarantees individual liberty’
http://www.minnpost.com/globalpost/2011/07/29/30404/indonesia_struggles_with_that_whole_freedom_of_religion_thing
‘The Indonesian government, bowing to political pressure from conservative groups, made matters worse in 2008 when, in an effort to diffuse growing religious tensions, signed a decree calling on Ahmadiyah to “stop spreading interpretations and activities that deviate from the principal teachings of Islam.”
Since the decree, attacks against Ahmadiyah have increased dramatically, from three incidents in 2006 to 50 in 2010, according to the Setara Institute, a nongovernmental organization that monitors religious freedom.
“We’re very tolerant of other religions — Christians, Buddhists, anything. But for those claiming to be Muslims that have stepped away from the path of Islam, we are very intolerant,” said Agus Setiawan, who headed the team of lawyers that defended the 12 men’.
Can non-Muslims worship openly and freely and be treated equally under the Shariah law?
The most prominent movie stars in India are Muslims. How many Hindu movie stars in Pakistan? Facts speak for themselves.
—————————————————-
@Ali,
Yes u are wrong. Are u kidding man? I dnt know any country in the world which doesnt have Church OPENLY except Saudi. Then what is this open or free or secret worship? U know that Muslims can not use any kind of loud speaker in mosque in Europe, they have to work on their festival?
hehe movie stars, talent speaks buddy. Do these Muslim movie stars forces people to see them by buying tickets? Does Tom Cruse or Angelina Jolie famous for being Chrsitians and would not have been if they were Muslims? Will u see a movie based on religion of an actor? hehe 🙂
We have seen history of massacre in all over world. No need to mention. We need to see plus and minus both. And when I talked in favour of horrible country like Pakistan or Afghanistan?
Any, bye. have a nice day.
Lynn: “It is the WASTE that bothers me. They won’t eat leftovers so they throw it away? Seriously?”
At least, from what I observed in India/Pakistan during ramadan, there was no food wastage at iftar time. Usually, poor people will line up in front of the houses (richer the neighborhood, longer the lines), and food will be distributed generously amongst the poor. At times, I saw cash also being distributed with the plea to the poor to pray to allah for the family.
Harry, that is good to know. What I was reading recently was about the abundant waste of food at all of the ‘over the top’ weddings. Why can’t they do the same then?
My family in Saudi always give food to the poor even when it is not Ramadan. My husband and I did the same. In Saudi it is pretty typical to prepare extra food since you never know if you will have unexpected guests. Any food we had left over we gave to the poor. We lived in an all-Saudi compound (with exception of moi) and the laborers were usually expats from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Somalia. My husband would take platters of food to them.
Many wedding parties do have leftover food given to the poor or to the individuals who helped serve at the wedding.
http://arabnews.com/world/article475817.ece
I found it!! I knew I was reading about the waste somewhere. That just makes me cringe to hear about all that waste with all the starving people in the world. But, I was raised to eat everything on my plate because of the starving children in Africa. I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to send them my lima beans!
My mom would say the same thing about starving children in China when I would balk at liver!
Azad, very well done!
Lynn, how curious that your daughter is muslim. Was that by choice or because your husband is muslim? No malice here, it’s just that you mentioned more than once.
Robin, Completely her choice. She is the only Muslim in the family, well, was until the husband and child came along, that is.
From what I have heard, starving people in other countries has more to do with transportation and logistical problems rather than there actually being a shortage of food. Just think about how much most restaurants throw out at the end of the night…
I have been invited to iftar a couple of times by close friends last year. Rather than eat at someone’s home, however, we met at a restaurant as we were all students. I felt very honored to be included. They did not seem to eat any more or any less calories than they normally would consume, but perhaps a little more all at once since they were eating breakfast earlier and eating dinner later (or whatever you’d like to call the meals) without anything in-between.
I often wonder if some people NEED to eat more during iftar and through the night (to include a good balance of fats, carbohydrates, and protein) in order to prevent problems due to low blood sugar the following day. If I ever decided to fast all day, I would probably have to be very careful about what I ate at night (and how much as well) in order to prevent problems the following day due to low blood sugar (including, but not limited to: irritability, light-headedness, dizziness, feeling tired, nausea, and upset stomach).
Hey Lynn ure idea of an organisation going to saudi weddings and collecting food leftovers and distributing to poor has already been taken. There are such organisations in Saudi well at least in jeddah as one saudi friend advised me.
Back to the topic i think sharing ones food with anyone opens you up for conversation and thus relationships form. Sharing the breaking of fast with anyone including non-muslims is a great way to be generous and give them an insight if they want into the ins and outs of the fasting month.
An important thing to note is, instead of going all out and making abundant amounts of food for friends and family…why not prepare the food and take it to shelters and womens refugee centres of all faiths and backgrounds. This is my plan this ramadan Inshallah. I mean they are the real needy ones..not us.
Azad: “Sincerely speaking (I am fasting and not telling lie) …. “.
That’s an interesting and HONEST statement … one is to assume that a muslim does not “lie” during the holy month of Ramadan but is free to do so the rest of the eleven months :)- As I understand it, the purpose of ramadan fasting is “a means to grow one’s personality and/or attain self-actualization” not for just one month but for the entire lifetime.
Anyhows and anyways, here are a few of the other “facts” and “myths” surrounding the holy month of Ramadan and the “realities”:
Prices of commodities shoot up during Ramadan! Prices of common commodities such as food-stuffs and other daily necessities go up through the roof in Muslim countries during the fasting month, adding untold misery to the poor people. No government control can prevent this pernicious price increase in the month of Ramadan. Fact is: Muslims actually consume more foods and luxury items during Ramadan than other times of the year. A fasting man will consume more foods in total than a non-fasting man in the same family. Because, fasting man will consume all the most nutritious and expensive tasty foods during nighttime, which normally they hardly do during other months, the supply and demands get unbalanced, and business people can not keep the price down because of very high demands. Thus, the ultimate purpose of fasting—namely self-restraint or sacrifice, and particularly realization of the pain of the hungry—works to the contrary: i.e. the poor suffer more during Ramadan, thank to the price increase of daily necessities.
National productivity of all Muslim nations goes down in this month due to serious disruptions of business as usual. All educational institutes remain shut-down for the entire month. Muslims do not work hard during this month: they reach office mostly late and go home early. All muslim countries, especially Arab nations, basically do not work at all during this month. Arabs even do not sleep during the night also. They remain awake and busy eating and drinking all night long; and after sehri/early-morning meal —they go for a long deep-sleep in holy comfort.
Sheiks/Mullahs and Islamic scholars brag that, the so-called fasting during Ramadan teaches Muslims to do charity for the poor people; but in reality, Muslims are little charitable; their contribution to global aid is very little or negligible in quantity. It is the non-Muslim kaffir countries of the East and West (especially American kaffirs)
give 80% of the world’s charity to the poor nations.
Some sheiks/ayatollas/mullas unscrupulously brag that ‘fasting during Ramadan is highly beneficial to health’. This claim, of course, has no scientific basis and an untrue statement by Muslims. In fact, this kind of fasting is very harmful to health. The fact—that Muslims are least unhealthy people on earth, and that their longevity is one of the lowest in the world—proves it all.
Allah keeps Satan chained during Ramadan!! Islamic mullahs claim that, during this holy month, Allah keeps the Satan chained (arrested and confined), preventing it from making Muslims do bad things in this month. This claim is utterly bogus and clearly untrue. Just look at what is happening around the world, especially in the Muslim world (Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan). Right from day one of Ramadan, there took place a heightened barrage of suicide bombings to kill scores of innocent people in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, etc.; the same has been the case during Ramadans past over the past years. Crime and violence remain rampant in the Muslim world during this month of Ramadan. By no statistics or scientific data can one claim that crime-rates go down during the month of Ramadan! Amid all the spin on Ramadan as a time of devotion and prayer, it is useful also to remember that Ramadan is also the month of armed jihad. Is it possible that Allah, as promised, forgot to chain all those Satans he created Or is it a lie from Islam and Allah. :)-
Ramadan makes Muslims honest and pure?? This is purely a myth, a bogus assumption if not propaganda, by the so-called Islamic scholars. Muslim countries are the most corrupt on earth by all possible parameters, and by all scientific statistics. Nobody can deny that!
During Ramadan, the productivity of Arab businesses drops by 78%. The essential factors? Fewer work hours, absenteeism, and sick leave. In the meantime, diseases linked to cholesterol and diabetes go up by 27.65% because of overeating. Experts claim that increases in blood crimes (+1.5%) and theft (+3.5%) are mainly the result of abstinence from smoke. The figures are included in a survey carried out by Cairòs Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World which was printed by ‘Leaders’, a Tunisian website.
To summarize, the month-long fasting of Ramadan is obviously a mockery of what Muslims claim. This unscientific fasting during day-time and the eating orgy (voracious munching of foods) at nighttime, instead, is unhealthy and unnecessary, and a most unproductive practice. Ramadan fasting ritual only helps Muslim nations pushed into greater poverty and dependence on others. Economically, Muslims get weaker due to unbalanced expenditure, and much reduced productivity and business activity during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan fasting, therefore, is another Islamic self-deception, to say the least, and a curse to their wellbeing, at best.
Of course but, unfortunately, we have this damned internet and being that I am a news junkie I can’t seem to be able to get myself back into that blissfully ignorant state. One of these days I should shut down this computer and sit and watch ‘I love Lucy’ re-runs until my last day.
—————————-
Dear Lynn,
A few negative things should not nullify a complete range of good things. I agree US or any European nation is tolerant.
Dont u think that its a a citizen’s right to celebrate his relgious festival? In entire US/europe, a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Budhist has to work in office on the day of his relgious festival. But a christian has holiday on Christmas.
But, Indonesia, Malysia, India, Pakistan, bangladesh, even Arab countries like Syria, Egypt,Lebanon, Sudan includes Chrsitian festival in their holiday list. Imagine a Chrstiain has to work on Christmas day? What abt attact on mosque, temple, veiled Muslim woman, racist attack, relgious attack?
Anyway, I am not saying that US/europe is not tolerant but I am saying that a few incidents cant make an entire nation intolerant. U will find bad apples everywhere in world. If I am wrong,apply ur logic to all countreis.
U dont read “United front … Indonesians from various religions hold hands in Jakarta as they condemn the recent clashes” in the links u quoted?
2 links doesnt prove an entire nation to be intolerant. Kindly let me know how many links u want abt racism, rape, religous attack, racist consititution, attack against abortion, attact against mosque, attack against temple etc. in US.
Will u accept that US is intolerant based on these few facts just like u make judgement abt Malaysia, Indonesia?
Let me also post 2 links:
——
1) the recent attacks against some Republicans by the Religious Left to be intriguing. Some Religious Left activists apparently think that the budget plan set forth by House Budget Committee Charmian Paul Ryan (R-Wi) are against the teachings of their Lord And Savior Jesus Christ (amen).
http://dogmafreeamerica.org/2011/06/10/the-religious-left-attacks-atheism-and-ayn-rand/
2) US: 2nd Sikh man dies after racial attack
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/US-2nd-Sikh-man-dies-after-racial-attack/videoshow/7999908.cms
3) Racism takes aim at US Constitution
http://amarillo.com/opinion/opinion-columnist/2011-06-29/racism-takes-aim-us-constitution
——-
So, Let’s not find out a few isolated virus from google and call an entire nation intolerant. Sometimes, its good to step out and make a holiday to know better about the other world. Have a nice day.
Ramadan fasting ritual only helps Muslim nations pushed into greater poverty and dependence on others. Economically, Muslims get weaker due to unbalanced expenditure, and much reduced productivity and business activity during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan fasting, therefore, is another Islamic self-deception, to say the least, and a curse to their wellbeing, at best.
—————————-
@Harry,
When I say I am fasting and I am not telling lie doesnt mean that I generally tell lie. I was emphasising what I say. Please dont go to the extreme and take things in positive way to.
Muslims nation pushed into poverty due to 1 month Ramdan and dependent on other? Heheh :):) See how much billions from Saudi and other Arabs in US accounts? Entire Europe is melting down? Is it becoz they dont fast? Count the number of Muslim and non-Muslim cuntries and check the level of poverty.
Fasting 1 month doesnt make a country poor but bombing a nation with missles and killing innocents make the both victim and criminal party economically down. Ur logic quite rediculous.
Please dont worry about Muslim’s Ramdan too much. No Muslim force u or any non-Muslim to fast on Ramdan. U have seen many’s comments here how they save food and give to poor but still u try to show that Muslims waste food and Muslims eat more in Ramdan more than any month.
U cant make judgement based on what a few people do.
I surprise when u start pressing the stomachs of all 1.5 billion Muslim world wide during Ramdan. Many Muslims eat lightly during ramdan so that they may not feel sleepy when they pray whole nights. Muslims sxpend more in Ramdan for guests, to give to poor.
And dont worry abt poor Muslims too. What u are trying to do is to malign a good cause when u contribute nothing to remove poverty or nothing for betterment.
Rich Muslims all over the world gives different types of charity viz sadqa, zakat, fitrah, fidyah, Qurbani. A Muslim living in non-Muslim country give tax + all these charities. A Muslim living in Muslim country where tax is exempted give all these charity. They give charity more in Ramdan and poor people benefits more and thus more economical balance is created. Many poor people get 30 days food+money+gifts etc. Then how can u say that poor people suffer more?
“Ramadan fasting ritual only helps Muslim nations pushed into greater poverty and dependence on others. Economically, Muslims get weaker due to unbalanced expenditure, and much reduced productivity and business activity during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan fasting, therefore, is another Islamic self-deception, to say the least, and a curse to their wellbeing, at best.”
BINGO. RAMADAN IN HAS MORE IN COMMON WITH HALLOWEEN THAN WITH WHAT IT USED TO BE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN THE LAND OF ABUNDANCE.
Azad: “Muslims nation pushed into poverty due to 1 month Ramdan and dependent on other?”
Here’s another perspective that I would like bring to this discussion. So-called muslim “scholars” tell gullible muslims that 29/30 day fasting is OBLIGATORY while in fact it is OPTIONAL. See below:
Koran 2:184 – Just for a fixed number of days. But if any of you is sick or is on a journey, he may make up the same number of days later. For those who can go through Abstinence only with hardship, there is an alternative: the feeding of an indigent. But the one who gives more on his own volition, it will be good for him. However, going through the training program of Abstinence is good for you if you knew better.
Note what Allah says: If anyone finds fasting difficult, he may feed a poor person. Mullas love to insert weird statements within brackets …
aha the power of bracketeering … making fasting mandatory. Instead of going through physical/mental hardship to feel the pain of a poor person through starvation, why don’t muslims do the noble and practical deed of feeding the indigents, as ordained in the koran. “Feeling the pain” is one thing and illusury while “Feeding Indigents” is more noble and practical. I think Allah is very commonsensical (much much much more than the mullas) and that’s what Allah really meant :)-
Muslims continually take Mohammed’s Word (hadith) over Allah’s Word (koran) every time. Yet they continually deny that they worship Mohammed????
Dear Harry,
Sorry to say this but U are turning things in the direction u want without any constructive purpose. U need to remember (all Muslims in fact) that its not only fasting of food/drinks but fasting from all bad things viz. back-biting, talking/hearing bad things, harming any other human being, doing something that give pains to some1 and humanity, any bad behaviors. We also need to remember that we human being need to respect each other, help each other, look the suffering of neighbor, listen to each other by keeping aside our negative pride and ego, doing good for the society, behaving well with other human being, live in peace with neighbor, helping poor and needy human bros and sis, working for peace/love/harmony, learn to forgive each other so that Allah Almighty can forgive our sins too. And at the end of the day, to apply what we practiced in Ramadan in whole life till death.
Let’s discuss something good too instead of debating only bad and hatred things.
Peace!!
@Azad – ‘So, Let’s not find out a few isolated virus from google and call an entire nation intolerant. Sometimes, its good to step out and make a holiday to know better about the other world.’
Yes, that is a VERY good idea. Perhaps you should do that yourself because your FACTS are wrong!! when you say ‘In entire US/europe, a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Budhist has to work in office on the day of his relgious festival. But a christian has holiday on Christmas.’
Please read NEWS not anti-Western propaganda sites.
Please read NEWS not anti-Western propaganda sites
—————————————————
Lynn,
I simply tried to open ur eyes. I never said that US/Europe is intolerant as u did. Finding negatives things is so easy right?
Azad …
But, Indonesia, Malysia, India, Pakistan, bangladesh, even Arab countries like Syria, Egypt,Lebanon, Sudan includes Chrsitian festival in their holiday list. Imagine a Chrstiain has to work on Christmas day? What abt attact on mosque, temple, veiled Muslim woman, racist attack, relgious attack?
One thing I can tell you that Sudan is becoming less tolerant as the Sulafi influence is taking over and the majority of the Sudanese are not happy at this turn of events. They (the Muslims) have seen their freedoms and joy being sucked away by a government who forcing more fundamentalist ideals AND sharia laws down their throats as a way of gaining absolute control.
And on the Ahmadi situation in Pakistan and other countries on the news big time right now Canada has taken in many, many Ahmadis and Ba’hai immigrants on the grounds of religious persecution in their respective countries of Iran and Pakistan. We have lovely Ahmadi mosques here where men and women actually pray together! 😀
I don’t know whether Saudis are giving leftovers to the poor on a regular basis but I know that it happens in Sudan and what is more important is that food is prepared and given to the poor at the beginning of a wedding feast or when food is prepared after a death and during Ramadan and not just the leftovers but fresh food.
I have only attended two weddings in KSA but they were food fests with women fighting over each other to get into the buffet line and then taking incredible amounts of food on their plates and either consuming it or leaving it their plates along with used napkins, etc. Food eaten or food left it was a disgusting sight to see and most of the women were so large that they could barely fit between the isles of the buffet. Can’t blame them though as food and shopping are about the only outlets the women get to enjoy. I do hear of the huge meals and extravagant buffets put out at Iftar and it’s a bit daunting to me. I think if Christians considered the Christmas dinner orgy and then think about it going on for a month …… !!!!!
@Azad – ‘Finding negatives things is so easy right?’
No, you didn’t ‘find’ anything. You made it up because what you quote as a fact ‘‘In entire US/europe, a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Budhist has to work in office on the day of his relgious festival. But a christian has holiday on Christmas.’ is NOT true. If that is what you do, that makes what you have to say not really worth paying attention to.
I know that one of my Saudi friends regularly helps prepare food to feed the poor during Ramadan. Ramadan is supposed to be a time of reflection, peace, etc. Can’t we enjoy the spirit with which it is intended without criticizing what may or may not happen in a particular place?
In the US, we have the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I guess in Muslim countries, the month of Ramadan would be a similar cultural thing? (Please note I am not trying in any way to compare the two holidays on religious grounds. I do realize there are differences between the two holidays. I am simply referring to the ideas of love, peace, reflection, helping others, etc that seem to be present during these times. Also, the getting together with friends and family, along with eating together. Although, typically it is just Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends that are spent with family. Oh yeah- and any parties planned among friends/co-workers/etc. in-between.)
Considering the spirit of the season, could we all set aside our differences for this time? (And are there any more holidays in the year of any religion we could all celebrate, so that way, the general public feels it necessary to consider others more often? 😛 I’m open-minded to ideas…)
Oh, Thanksgiving, my favorite dinner with family and friends. There is so much to be thankful for here: Liberty, civility, freedom of choice, rule of law and First Amendment.
@Harry Guggen: Muslims continually take Mohammed’s Word (hadith) over Allah’s Word (koran) every time. Yet they continually deny that they worship Mohammed????
In the name of ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, There is no other god beside ALLAH.
Most Submitters (Muslims) do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting.
Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.
Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one’s entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.
The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity.
The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on “Health and Ramadan,” held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.
There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. … This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes. … Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory.
[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
Dear Lynn, Do you know who is Muslim or what does a Muslim means?
The Arabic word “Muslim” literally means “someone who submits to the will of God”.
The message of Islaam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim.
Some people mistakenly believe that Islaam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world’s Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists.
If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World – from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia – it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities.
From the very beginning, Islaam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God.
A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past, even though you don’t see it as much today, the word “Mohammedans” was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.
Suhail, Thank you, but did you really think that I needed a lesson on what a Muslim is? Seriously?
But you might want to look up the definition of plagiarizer. When you copy and paste from somewhere else you should post a link to the original author or something. At least put it in quotations or something to make it clear that they are not ‘your’ words.
http://www.submission.info/practices/ramadan/medicalbenefits.html
Finally some good news during Ramadan:
Hindus/Sikhs gift Muslims a 65-year-old mosque on Ramadan
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-LUD-hindus-sikhs-gift-muslims-a-65-year-old-mosque-on-ramzan-2322061.html
I so hope my Thanksgiving plans will come to fruition this year. Most of my family is gathering at a rustic B&B on the North Carolina/ Georgia border. I’ve made my reservations thinking positively I’ll be through with my treatments and able to go.
Oh Carol that sounds lovely!
hey…..could you and you know who plan on accompanying me?????
Suhail…
I don’t think. That submitting to the will of god is the definition of a muslim. Even ch
Sorry computer problems…even christians submit to the will of god. The prayer jesus taught us says “thy will be done” meaning god is all knowing and we will submit to his will.
When is thanksgiving?
Indonesia ===>>> Four civil servants, including one non-Muslim, arrested for not fasting during Ramadan. Use of Ramadan as an opportunity to impose more Sharia on Indonesian society! Whatever happened to “there is no compulsion in religion”. :)-
“Civil servants were supposed to serve as an example during Ramadan … even if they were not Muslim.”
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/bengkulu-police-arrest-4-civil-servants-found-not-fasting/457258
In the United States Thanksgiving falls in mid-November!
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov 24th this year.
Thanks, Lynn
While in England, I thought it was fun to explain how the US has a holiday (Thanksgiving), that takes place on the 4th Thursday of November each year- not to be confused with the Canadian one (which I can’t remember the exact day for). If you think about it, it is a little absurd that Thanksgiving falls on a particular Thursday during a particular month. The first November I was in England, I felt homesick together with some of my Muslim friends who were missing out on Eid al-Adha around the same time.
*missing out on being with their families during Eid al-Adha.
Strange One,
Not it is not absurd that Thanksgiving falls on the last Thursday in November.. Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday by any means. It symbolizes that hospitality of the Native American (Red Indians) that brought food for the pilgrims that has arrived from England on that days for which they gave thanks. Since then it has become a custom the remember that day every year. Those pilgrims became the first Americans.
Yeah, why is it absurd?
Muslims should have fixed dates for their only two recognized holidays (other holidays are considered infidels’ invention or Bedah.) This way people can plan their times, finances and family visits in advance.
Are Heavens gates locked up until a few blind clerics instruct people as to when they should or should not celebrate and fast?
Faisal & Lynn,
I just find it absurd because it takes place on a Thursday, not a Monday for Friday (and hence a 3-day weekend). It isn’t the first Thursday of the month, and isn’t necessarily the last, either. For example, if the 1st is a Thursday, then the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th would all be Thursdays, too. In this case, the 22nd would be Thanksgiving. So it’s not like Labor Day, which is the first Monday in September. It’s not like Christmas, July 4th, Halloween, or New Years Day (which all have specific dates on which they take place). It’s not like Easter, either, which is always on a Sunday, depends on the moon cycle, and can happy during March, April, or May? I believe. Plus, Easter is a religious holiday. President’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day both happen on Mondays (which is less absurd to me because it’s at the beginning of the work week and reminds me some of bank holidays in the UK).
I don’t find the holiday in and of itself absurd or ironic, except for the fact that it celebrates the Native Americans helping the pilgrims, and later on in history (at least some of ) the pilgrims ended up stealing from the Native Americans.
Aside from this, I think it’s great that a non-religious holiday exists where it is simply about sharing and spending time with other people, particularly friends and family.
However, I still find the date Thanksgiving is decided each year a little absurd when compared to other holidays. It’s always fun to explain the concept of the “4th Thursday in the month of November” to people who aren’t familiar with it. 😀
‘I just find it absurd because it takes place on a Thursday, not a Monday for Friday (and hence a 3-day weekend)’
I don’t think there is anything absurd about a 4 day weekend. 🙂
What does it matter if it is the First Monday or the Second or Third Sunday or the Fourth Thursday? They all have their own reasons for being on their particular days and I don’t see how one is more absurd than the others, really. Lori, is that your OCD showing? 🙂
http://history1900s.about.com/od/1930s/a/thanksgiving.htm
Lynn,
It’s just my strange sense of humor showing. LOL. I once “won” a hot pink stuffed teddy bear out of one of those claw machines, and I named it “Mr.Snuggles” because the idea of a hot pink teddy bear being “Mr” anything and not “Ms.” or “Mrs.” was (and still is) funny to me. I don’t know how I came up with the “Snuggles” part- probably subconscious influence from watching too many Bounty commercials. 😀 That was over 10 years ago, though. Hard to believe it was that long ago! Wow! I just happen to be a quirky individual.
Just because Thanksgiving is on a Thursday doesn’t always mean that everyone gets a 4-day weekend because of it, especially not if a person works retail. 4-day weekends are always nice, though! 🙂 And as someone who later wants to open a retail-oriented business, the Day after Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days. (Retailers gotta love “Black” Friday. 😉 ).
Thanks for the link to the history of the Thanksgiving date. Retailers have in more recent times started advertising sales as early as the beginning of November in order to entice more shoppers into the stores earlier.
‘I just happen to be a quirky individual’
Yeah, seems to be a lot of us here! 😀
AM A REVERT MUSLIM FAR FROM THE CITY NEED ASSISTANT TO GET IFTAR GIFT FROM THE WELL WISHERS AND NEED MUSLIM BOOKS TO READ TO GET MORE KNOWLEDGE IN ISLAM IN HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN INSHA ALLAH BUKRA.
Oops, Said, you should have probably gotten those books BEFORE you reverted, no? 😉
Said, I agree with Lynn. *oops, did I just say that?* 🙂
Oh STOP it Coolred! You brat! 😉
[…] 2011: August was the month of Ramadan and the most popular post happened to be A Non-Muslim is Invited to an Iftar which had 84 […]
[…] This is the meal which must sustain them throughout the day while they fast. “Iftar” is the meal during which the fast of the day is broken. These meals are special occasions and […]
I will like to invited to Iftar
I invite all followers of AB for iftar (if anyone is based in UK, u are most welcome). We can have a lovely iftar with u all and my office colleagues and friends. It doesnt matter if u are Muslim or not, we are all humans, creations of Allah SWT. I will provide my contact if u are really seriously want to accept my invitation.
Thank you! I am attending my first Iftar tonight and it is indeed a great honour to be invited. Thank for the helpful tips.