Ramadah

I'm not really qualified to write about Ramadah, but I thought I would write what I have learnt and seen in Malaysia during this month of fasting.

Over the last 3 weeks, the hospital cafeteria has been quite empty, for once there are always still plenty of food left if I get there late for lunch, and there are always seats available - a plus for me. The doctors going through Ramadah (~1/3) look exhuasted by lunch time and take naps while we go for lunch. The rest of us have to be careful not to tempt them with questions such as "let's go for coffee" or "want to come for lunch? oops I forgot you can't!" Just the other day, I bought cake to share with the house officers as Im leaving this week. I felt bad for the doctors on Ramadah so I packed slices of cake into cute cardboard boxes (that were sold with moon cakes) so they can have a "take away " - I thought I was very religion sensitive :p

In the mall food area yesterday, I watched the Islamic people sitting there around the tables with empty plates in front of them and their ordered food in the centre of the table. They all sit there patiently, some checking their watches every minute to see if it's 7 o'clock yet - the time they can eat. What a sight!

But Im seriously so impressed with how these people all day without food or drink.. It's so hot here as well. Not only do they not eat or drink during the daytime "During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam as well as refraining from lying, stealing, anger, envy, greed, lust, sarcastic retorts, backbiting, and gossip. Obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided; sexual activities during fasting hours is also forbidden." mmm.. I will find the lying and gossiping part hard to refrain from.