Why does Islam oblige its followers to fast during Ramadan each year?
• To develop compassion for the poor and needy who feel hungry every day. As a spiritually and physically cleansing experience. Just as in other world religions, fasting is seen as an opportunity to separate yourself from the things of this world and to concentrate on your relationship with God. • To become closer to God by contemplating his will in your life. • To build self-discipline and to become a better person. How does Ramadan affect expatriates? • The overall pace of life overall slows down. Things take longer to get accomplished both at home and at the office. • Your live-in household staff will arise very early in the morning to prepare their pre-dawn meal and many try to complete their heavy chores early in the morning just after they’ve eaten . If their pre-sunrise noise is bothering your family, talk with your staff to see how they can reduce their noise levels while your family is still asleep. • Your household staff may need a nap mid-morning or in the afternoon to keep
