Ramazan for non-Muslims: An etiquette guide

Around 1.6 billion people of the seven billion in the world will be fasting from sunrise to dawn, every day, for an entire month.

Ramazan is the holiest month of the Muslim calendar. But if you’re not a Muslim, is there anything you should do so you don’t come across as insensitive to your fasting friends?

The answer is no. But you can score some points if you follow these tips:

• You can eat in front of us

Muslims around the world will abstain from eating and drinking for the next 30 days but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry on business as usual.

• Try not to schedule a work lunch

If you host a lunch, don’t feel bad if your Muslim co-worker skips it.

• You don’t have to fast with us

You can if you want to know how it feels like but if you don’t then it won’t hurt our feelings.

• You can join us for iftar

You should come and attend our big joint meal. Iftar is the breaking of the fast after sundown.

• You don’t need to know when it begins

The month of Ramazan bounces around because the Islamic calendar is lunar. It begins when the new moon is seen.

• Please be a little flexible

We have to physically see the moon in order to decide when Ramazan is beginning. That’s why if your co-worker says “Starting tomorrow, can I start work early so I can leave sooner”, try to understand and accommodate.

• We’ll still go for coffee with you

Yes we can’t drink but can accompany you for a walk if you want to take a break.

• We may keep our distance

The reason we stand a foot away is because of halitosis.

• You can say Ramazan Mubarak

Your Muslim co-worker will appreciate the thoughtfulness.

• Please don’t say, “I should fast, too. I need to lose weight”

One of Ramazan’s side effects is obesity.

 

This article originally appeared on BBC.