JEDDAH, 12 October 2005 — “Whatever you do, try to stay off the streets between 5 and 6 p.m.” That’s the advice you often hear in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan. Why? Well, simply because it’s the Anger Hour.

During Ramadan in the run-up before iftar, some people’s attitudes change. Everyone rushes about trying to buy items from shops and restaurants so they can return home before sunset.

In Al-Salamah District near a well-known ‘ful’ shop, two men fought with knives and almost killed each other — because of the waiting line even though they were “fasting.”

Both men were taken into custody in which they will remain until a hearing. No ful, no home and no iftar.

Even motorists and pedestrians have cause for caution during the Anger Hour. They could wind up in the middle of a fight over sambousa or perhaps end up in a crossfire between two ful fools. Sadly, some people get in swearing matches over “subia” — a special drink made of barley and bread served during Ramadan. Good advice for anyone during the Anger Hour would be not to jump a waiting line — heaven only knows what might happen to you.

Ramadan is supposed to be a time of reflection — not retaliation.

“It’s just crazy,” said Naif Awdah, one of the policemen who get the honors of breaking up fights between the infuriated. “As soon as iftar time gets close, the attitude of the people changes — as if they’re going to die if they don’t make it home before sunset.”

The Anger Hour also is a busy time for the ambulance crews of the Red Crescent. “The more you go into the southern areas of Jeddah the more you see such cases,” said Ziyad Al-Radadi of the Saudi Red Crescent, which essentially becomes a shuttle service for fight victims during the Anger Hour.

“It’s unbelievable how people really lose control of their temper.”

As the sun draws closer to the horizon, the insanity increases, with motorists racing down the streets running stoplights with horns a-honking. It’s exasperating for the Traffic Police.

“The problem is that when I come to speak to one of them, I get blasted and stormed,” lamented Amr Al-Harbi of the Traffic Police. “I just can’t give out tickets to every driver on the street or near the ful place.”

The corporal also said drivers often try to scold him, saying “Don’t you know we are fasting now?” (Fasting is a term that relates to not eating — not seeing how fast your car can go.)

Although it is sad to read such a story and even sadder to be one of those interested in behaving like a lunatic, perhaps it’s saddest for all the sergeants and corporals and paramedics who wish people would remember that this is a time for peace and inner reflection.

“It’s a shame,” said Al-Harbi. “We lose the spiritual feelings of Ramadan because of these people.”