JEDDAH, 6 October 2006 — It was the long hours and abstinence from water that affected non-Muslim Americans Linda and Mark Thomson the most. “I was getting really thirsty and couldn’t wait for a glass of water,” said Linda, who is living in Saudi Arabia with her husband Mark.
With a noticeable sense of Ramadan-frenzy across the Kingdom, Linda and Mark decided not to eat, drink or smoke for one day. “We have been living in this country for five years and as the daily lives of Muslims remolded in Ramadan and it became mandatory to fast, we as non-Muslims wanted to experience how Muslims stay for hours without water and food,” said Mark.
Mark believes this was a brilliant opportunity to gain a feeling of fasting and increase his knowledge about Ramadan and its religious significance.
Linda says she loves the Ramadan atmosphere describing it as a unique experience. “As expatriates who have come to this country we had no idea what Islam is all about. I and my husband decided this year to experience fasting just like our Muslim friends and it really turned out to be a unique and enjoyable experience,” she said.
The most difficult thing the couple found, according to Linda, was staying without water between sunrise and sunset. Other non-Muslim expatriates see the holy month as a time to adjust their habits in order to show solidarity with fasting Muslims.
Filipino national Nani Garcia said she used to go to the downtown area during the day and eat at the markets there but has stopped doing so because of Ramadan.
“I really enjoy the atmosphere in Ramadan. I go to the downtown area at night where Ramadan can really be felt. I go with my friends where we shop for long hours and have some special Ramadan dishes that are sold on every street corner,” she said.
Nani’s husband, Rogerio, also enjoys the Ramadan atmosphere and said that Ramadan is different from other months because the lifestyles of both Muslims and non-Muslims change in many ways.
“We really respect the faith of Muslims and try not to hurt their feelings by eating or drinking in public.
“We usually eat at home until people have broken their fasts, then we enjoy the nightlife which is really exciting and enjoyable,” he said.
Kevin Norman, a 33-year-old American, said Ramadan is the month of faith and a great opportunity to increase one’s knowledge about Islam.
“I really like the great atmosphere of Ramadan and tend to spend most of the time with my Muslim friends either enjoying our evenings at various cafés on Tahlia Street or downtown where you can buy traditional food,” he said.
He noted that he respects the fact that malls and restaurants remain closed during the daytime.
“It doesn’t matter to me because I am used to it and I understand the rules and regulations,” he added. Kevin likes everything about Ramadan except the attitude of people especially their driving just before iftar.
“I really understand that fasting can affect people but the problem is that people seem to be crazy when driving home after work. I’ve learned that patience is one of the main aspects of Ramadan and that’s why I try to avoid driving or being outside before iftar because I know people tend to lose their tempers and cannot control their attitude,” he said.
