In Malaysia, during Ramadan, Muslims eat a large meal ( zohor ) just before dawn. At dusk, tradition in Malaysia has been by breaking of fast with dates and water, prior to a meal later.
Normally, they head off to a restaurant or hotel.
Not quite sure how it is here in Switzerland ( this will be my 2nd Ramadan season here ) but here's an article that suggests it might be the same.
In Iran If you are infirm ( old or sick) or too young- I'm not sure of the age, I imagine form 12 up then you don't have to fast. If you are not Muslim then you don't have to fast. In general it is considered bad manners to eat in the street, parks and picnics are different. However, you just won't find much available, during daylight hours. After sunset you will find PLENTY, many people actually out weight on; although that of course is not what fasting is intended for! I intend to lose weight!
What personal meaning has Ramadan for those who do follow it? Is it more a self-reflecting time on yourself, family or society? Or a dialogue with God? Does one share those moments with closed-ones or is it something everyone experiences on a personal level?
Dialogue with God is a daily thing, thats what the Arabic term for Prayers "Salat" means... "Communication"
Different people have different takes on it... some purely do it for Dieting purposes while earn some "Divine Reward" points at the sametime
Its not really a big deal as many Muslims try to make it... all you really do is give up your afternoon meal (lunch) and the random impulsive snacking and nibbling... and have your breakfast a bit earlier than usual and the evening meal can be at usual time.
The Essence is to Reflect on yourself and your day to day life/actions.
Yes there are parallels in Judiac, Christian and even in Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist religion... (Judiac, Christian and Muslim Religion have same origin hence the differentiation, not descrimination), if you go by their Scriptures, just that other Religions followers are not as observient, maybe.
Infact most things in Islam and Shariah have parallels in Judiasm aand Christianity and many Islamic Laws are Derived from Torah.
As for restaurants and shops being closed.. its purely for Financial reasons, as there is no business... nobodys eating out during the daytime.
If you go there after sunset, same restaurants will be busier than ever.. Im sure there are shops where you can find babyfood, milk and medicines for the old and the infirm!!
Police just use it as an excuse to extract some Bribes form the shopkeepers and the State... well its any governments Wet Dream to have Total Authoratarian Control over the populace.. and what better pretext than Religion!
Religion does NOT Enforce anything.. only "Suggests" and "Advices" after that everyone has been given (limited) Freewill to act.
Giving alms (charity) is "TZdaka" - in Arabic "Zakat"
There is no month long fast in Judaism: The holiest day in the Jewish calendar is "Yom Kippur" - when most Jews fast (and the rest ride their bikes because nobody drives)
Though I'm not Muslim, one thing that I find almost enviable is the sense of community during Ramadan - together, people fast for their physical health, to cleanse their thoughts, to remember the hardships others have endured. Seeing the mosques fill up more and more each night as the month of Ramadan and listening to the prayers chanted in the early morning.
Out of respect for the Muslim faith (or any faith for that matter), do not post any further off-topic discussions about religion in this thread. I have moved the posts which are off the topic of celebraing Ramadan to their own thread. Post your thoughts there (about any and all religions and practices), but this thread is not for that.
Do I see political correctness rearing its ugly head here. There are a number of other faith threads that showed no respect whatsoever for those faiths: