No Food for me

[baronessekat]

If you follow the Islamic faith, the holy month of Ramadhan started for you either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Yes, that's confusing. I've been told that it has something to do with when certain Imams declare that the moon is in the correct phase/position.

Yours truly does not actually follow this path of teaching. I do, however, work for a Muslim company. Three of the 8 people who work at my company practice some form of Islam. In general this does not impact my life at all. I am not required to wear a hijab. I don't even get asked about why I'm not married. About the only thing that I can't do that they guys at work can is wear shorts. I'll cope. I can wear an ankle lenght skirt if I want something cool to wear.

But now I'm facing something different. Last year when Ramadhan came about my office mate left the office for prayers right around lunch time, so I could grab a quick bite and not feel like I was torturing him by eating in front of him while he is fasting.

This year, we are all in one big open office space. This does not make is condusive to eating at my desk without feeling guilty. Not all of the Muslims in my company actually do the daily prayers. And those two that do, do not do it at the same time. Oh sure, I could do things like pack a sandwich and step outside and eat it and things like that but still...

So this year, I am trying something different. Out of respect I'm trying not to eat during the work day. So far I've gotten up early each day to have a big for me breakfast. (Hey, when you don't normally eat breakfast, anything is a big meal.) And since I am not actualy Muslim, I don't feel bad about not waiting until sundown to eat dinner. I just eat a big meal when I get home from work.

So far so good. We shall see how well I do as the month progresses.

Though I do have to admit that after having done some research into Iftar, I'm thinking I need to save up some funds and hit the Indian Restraunt again real soon. Samosas are calling to me.

Comments

[jlbooth76.livejournal.com]

Iftar?

Yikes- that would be hard for me. I sometimes forget to eat meals, especially when I'm really stressed, but I'm usually end up getting shaky. Though you are eating breakfast, so that's good. And I've been told that periodic fasting can be good for your health, as long as there isn't a medical contraindication... good luck!

[baronessekat.livejournal.com]

Iftar is the meal of breaking the fast. Usually starts with a date (as that's what the Prophet ate first when breaking his fast) then moves on to all kinds of foods, usually lots of finger foods.

I am learning mostly Pakistani traditions but they do Samosas and Pakora (tempuraed veggies) and the like before moving into the heavier things.

I will not give up consuming liquids during the work day but have tried to limit to one can of soda then mostly water (which is good for me anyway).

[jlbooth76.livejournal.com]

MMMmmm... that does sound good!

Between the Asian & Indian groceries... I sense... easy dinners :D

[hugh-mannity.livejournal.com]

I rather miss being in the Middle East around now. The Bahrainis go to a short work day: 7:00pm - 1:00pm, and everyone spends the afternoon sleeping in prayer and meditation.

By the end of the month everyone's getting a bit twitchy,mostly from lack of sleep as many people stay up all night. The smokers though are usually over the worst of it -- many of them give up completely for the month.

I should post about it.

[hugh-mannity.livejournal.com]

Umm... that would be 7:00AM to i:00pm...

[patrikia.livejournal.com]

http://cocooanurban.blogspot.com/2009/08/siago-ramadhan-series.html

The Ramadan papercraft!

[jlbooth76.livejournal.com]

cute!

[cypherindigo.livejournal.com]

I really like that idea.

[me-mingli-and-i.livejournal.com]

Speaking as someone who used to fast (can't now due to blood sugar issues),I admire that you are respecting your co-workers. I am a Baha'i, and we fast during the month of March. It is hard having to smell food while fasting, but some feel it helps them to focus more on the spritual aspects of the fast as even the thought of food makes them pray more. :-)