British

That includes muslims, too.
The two extremes are not mutually exclusive.

My nearest neighbours are Muslim.

During Ramadan, they cook, eat and socialise between sunset and sunrise.

They mostly sleep and rest during daylight hours.

Young children, sick and elderly are not expected to fast.

Those of working age, where possible work from home.

Plevey08

I'm more worried about those who drink large amounts of alcohol, smoke weed and doom scroll on phones half the night. Then go to work, operate machinery and drive. Not just during the month of Ramadan in March either, but all year round.

Ramadan is not in the same month each year 🤦‍♀️

It moves backwards a lunar cycle each year.

SueDomin
You’ve explained exactly the same problems two friends of mine who both worked in Saudi.
It drove them nuts 😩

Plevey08

I'm more worried about those who drink large amounts of alcohol, smoke weed and doom scroll on phones half the night. Then go to work, operate machinery and drive. Not just during the month of Ramadan in March either, but all year round.

This is an excellent point - shame to lose it over lunar cycles and month changing. And what about those who drive having been told not to by doctors, opticians etc? Wasn’t the Glasgow bin lorry accident caused by the driver ignoring his black outs? But heyho, all down to fasting Muslims and the plethora of evidence available

petra

SueDomin
You’ve explained exactly the same problems two friends of mine who both worked in Saudi.
It drove them nuts 😩

And yet they lived there ….

A bit far to commute?

Yes you're right GrannyGravy. I used one month as an example as opposed to what can go on all year round.

MissAdventure

A bit far to commute?

But choice no doubt?

Tuliptree thinking that Ramadan is in the same month every year shows ignorance of the Muslim faith.

Plevey08

Yes you're right GrannyGravy. I used one month as an example as opposed to what can go on all year round.

Crossed posts, I apologise.

Well I used to work with people that got on my wick; it's part of life, isn't it?

MissAdventure

Well I used to work with people that got on my wick; it's part of life, isn't it?

I have lived with people that get on my wick - they were family 🤷‍♀️

GrannyGravy13

Tuliptree thinking that Ramadan is in the same month every year shows ignorance of the Muslim faith.

It was March this year and I think your post helped deflect from an important point. And actually I’m not sure how important it is knowing it move in terms of measuring ignorance. I’m not fussed whether people of other faiths know how Easter moves - it’s what Easter’s about that matters and people should perhaps know that rather than then the lunar stuff. Same with Jewish festivals - what their meaning is, not how the date is calculated.

GrannyGravy

Ramadan isn't directly associated with the Gregorian calender at all, it follows the lunar calendar. There's my deflective worthless fact. Not accusing anyone of ignorance, I'm not that ignorant myself.

Tuliptree I suggest you read my post of 18.25.18

No deflection on my part, just stating a fact, regarding Ramadan which is what this thread is about.

I have zero issue with this, “invited” means just that, and it’s fine to say no.

Our last three children attended a very multi-cultural primary school, where I was a school governor the entire time they were there.

Each Easter and Christmas, Christian celebrations took place, each parent was written to and asked to come into the school and watch and each parent was given the opportunity to withdraw their child from any nativities or other Christian activities. None did withdraw their children. I absolutely loved seeing all their different faiths/races/colours all taking part in a conventional nativity.

During other faiths festivals/holy days parents were invited into assembly to talk about what and how these celebrations were held.

Often these parents would cook traditional food and bring it in for children to try.

Our children grew up alongside children whose first language was not English, who didn’t share our culture or faiths, but who all became friends.

Our youngest DD had a friend who was Polish and another whose entire family fled from Zimbabwe, and she ate in their homes on several occasions.

Understanding other faiths and cultures can engender tolerance and widen knowledge.

I was fortunate, whilst in the Civil Service, to work alongside amazing Muslim men and women, if asked, they were more than happy to explain their culture and faith. A couple were married to white British people, all of them were kind and lovely people.

“GrannyGravy13

MissAdventure
Well I used to work with people that got on my wick; it's part of life, isn't it?
I have lived with people that get on my wick - they were family 🤷‍♀️“

I still live with family who totally get on my wick, likewise ex-colleagues.

Who gets on with everyone? Certainly not me haha

I think at work I might be the person who gets on people's wick

Plevey08

It's about being given the opportunity to understand others beliefs, traditions and celebrations, to help promote tolerance and inclusivity. We live in a multi-cultural society. It has always been an invitation and not mandatory. After all a significant number often complain that that don't like immigrants because they are not like us. So I think it is a positive idea. When I was teaching we had a number of gypsy/Roma children and I was always invited to their annual fayre. It really helped me understand their community, which I could build on to increase attendance levels. I'd fast for a day and for charity...might lose a bit of weight. There are also many safe exclusions in place that take into account health, menstruation and diabetes etc. What's not to like. Think of all the Jamaican's that arrived in the 50's and 60's and how badly they were treated. Bet a few of us like jerk chicken etc now. After the fast anyone who chooses to fast is likely to be invited to a sundown feast too. What's not to like and be hopeful about.

Well said

Galaxy

I think at work I might be the person who gets on people's wick

Actually, that might also have been me

~It is very common for Anglicans to fast during Lent and also Advent.Quite often money saved goes to charity, as it does with Muslims
As well as for religious reasons people fast when on diets.This I believe is worldwide, so why the title British ?
Plevey you have made a very important point. I am finding this file verging on the unpleasant.

.

Cossy good post.

We have dragged our offspring round the world, they have been used to different cultures from an early age.

They have friends of different faiths and cultures, all are beautiful human beings.

I don't see anything unpleasant in it all all.
Religious people observe certain customs.
Good for them.
There's nothing wrong with not being the slightest bit interested in joining them for a day.