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What if I don’t want to fast?

A couple of weeks ago there was a very interesting discussion on Reddit called “What if I don’t want to fast?” about the laws that punish people for eating in public during Ramadan. Since Ramadan is nearly over, I wanted to ask my readers what their opinion about this is.

Personally, because I don’t cook, my biggest issue is with the law regarding restaurants having to be closed during the day. I actually don’t know if its a law, or just an unspoken rule, but whatever the case is, I don’t think restaurants should be forced to close, not unless you also want to close other sources of food like supermarkets and baqalas. I’ve basically spent most of this Ramadan having Chinese food since China Kitchen is one of the few places that deliver from noon and they’re located in Salmiya so the driver doesn’t get stuck in traffic. I actually don’t think I’m having Chinese food ever again once Ramadan is over.

Do you fast? Would you mind it if restaurants were open during the day? Do you mind if people drink water in front of you? I’m curious to know.

123 replies on “What if I don’t want to fast?”

As a business owner, my christian employees do eat and smoke in their lunch breaks in the kitchen area of my office. Tbh I don’t care about it and I want to increase their productivity so let them smoke, eat or drink whenever they want.

I’m Muslim but I don’t fast all the days due to medical reasons but I never eat or drink in front of anyone to respect their fasting.

I stopped fasting 6 years ago. I think we should not get punished for not fasting and the law should definitely change, Kuwait should be a civil society not a religious society.

I don’t think anyone is actually being punished, have you ever heard of someone actually going to jail over this?

You just pay a fine.

Also, the law is the same in all the GCC countries including Qatar and UAE

“I dont think anyone is actually being punished… you just pay a fine”

never has there been a more perfect example of words that contradict each other. A fine IS punishment, just in case you Kuwaiti pride has blinded you from the fact that paying money is punishment and that it is difficult for some people. Peace

I’m pretty sure that he meant to say “nobody has ever received a jail sentence,” so it has nothing to do with Kuwaiti Pride.

It’s unfortunate that most foreigners assume that all Kuwaitis are gullible, and/or brainwashed by their own government…

Honestly, Being a fasting muslim, I don’t mind if the restaurants are open or even if someone eats or drinks in front of me, in-fact during meetings at work we allow our colleagues to have their coffee or tea while we are in the same room, moreover if you travel outside GCC, you will find all the restaurants open and people eating and spending their days normally, which doesn’t and shouldn’t affect us, so the same can apply to GCC too.

But on other hand, if they wish to keep the ban on the restaurants from serving food during fasts, its fine, at least delivery should be open as normal days to serve a huge population of non fasting members of the society and there should not be any JAIL term for anyone caught eating or drinking in public.

I spent ramadan in Dubai and what they do is open restaurants around work areas and just cover the windows with cloth. The place i worked in had a kitchen where ppl that arent fasting could eat but they couldnt eat outside that area.Restaurants in malls and more public areas are closed and youre not allowed to eat/drink/smoke in public.

During Ramadan, this is what we see in the office every day during Ramadan… Bad Moods and Temper by everyone who is fasting…

Feel Fasting should be a personal choice and when it is enforced and people do it out of compulsion or obligation, the whole point to the fasting is lost…

Just wanted to add on the first point, that this is only in reference to my office and not everyone in general…

Fasting IS a personal choice. Just because restaurants are closed doesn’t mean everyone fasting is doing out of compulsion. It is impossible to enforce fasting. 100% of people or close to it do it out of choice (to fulfill their religious obligations).

If a person is fasting and he doesn’t show that he is fasting and deals pleasantly with the people around him, then it come through that the person is doing it out of his personal choice

If a person is fasting and he always claims that he is fasting to slack at work and deals unpleasantly with the people around him, then it come through that the person is doing it out of compulsion or obligation.

Be it at Work, Government Offices, Banks, the foul mood makes you think what’s the point in all of them fasting.

I know people who “slack at work and deals unpleasantly with the people around him” even without fasting. They’re usually in a foul mood.

Imagine them while fasting?

I try to avoid such people, even outside Ramadan.

1. I fast
2. I don’t mind if restaurants open during the day
3. I don’t mind if people drink or eat in front of me.

I would like to be able to have lunch, drink water, and snack openly during my mandatory “off” week.

Fasting should be a choice not something imposed. Fasting is between the worshiper and God and choosing not to fast should not be punished.
Fasting is present in many religions over the world, in christianity too, there`s even black fasting which means 2-3 days without food and water at all. Still you`re not being forced to fast and you`re not being sent to jail for if you “choose” not to do so.
Back to the subject, restaurants should not be forced to stay closed, they should be able to serve the customers, do deliveries, as normal.
And I`m totally against punishing people who get caught drinking water, especially in the summer, lot of workers are staying outside in the scorching heat until 11-12 o clock. Not allowing them to have water in temperatures of over 40 degrees is inhumane and they might suffer health complications.

Well said !!!
Medically talking not eating for 16h is actually pretty good for the body… though not drinking water is completely wrong definitely with the kind of temperature here.
Also in a pretty interesting definition of why do muslin fast during Ramadan here is a excerpt that is very important : ” It is also by means of fasting that those who never have to hunger or thirst are (to some extent) made personally aware of the plight of the underprivileged, which thus evokes a degree of social consciousness.
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/love-family/holidays/why-do-muslims-fast-during-the-month-of-ramadan.aspx#CmpLPdUpMlwlWVet.99“
The unprivileged have to live with and watch privileged people eating and drinking more than they should all year long. So if it’s also to feel and live what they’re experiencing it should be fine for the non-muslin or the non-fasting to eat and drink whenever they feel like it.

During Ramadan there are places whic have meals that can be parceled. There is Sultan Center for instance , you can get hot meals from there . There are lot of MRE available as well.

Fasting is related to one’s tolerance and will . Since it’s really hot here it’s hard for once to sustain. But I agree to an earlier comment about delivery to be open .

Actually closing down restaurants during fasting period probably hurts the fasting people just as much or even more in some cases. Do you know how much pain in the ass it is to have a small window of time for everyone in the country to order from restaurants before futoor? Last weekend I was a little late to ordering food and every restaurant I called told me I’ll have food about half an hor to an hour after futoor time. Had to settle for food court because there was no other option, and we hadn’t cooked that day.

Restaurants should be operating freely, but I honestly think restaurants as businesses are benefiting from this closing-during-Ramadan. It’s like all restaurants came to an agreement to slow down competition and use the time to renovate and such.

And no, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings to see someone eating or drinking while I’m fasting. Except when they’re having coffee. That hurts.

I disagree, some restaurants are really hit hard during this month. Income in one of the restaurants i managed was cut down by 70%, scary stuff.

Damn that is scary, but it supports my point that they try to use the month to work on renovations and other things that require them to slow down their operations.

I don’t mind seeing others eat or drink, but I think having restaurants open for dine in looks weird. Not saying I’m against it though, I don’t care.

I hope there’s no law that bans restaurants from being open during fasting hours…

And Mark, how do you maintain a relatively healthy diet if you don’t cook?

I don’t fast. I’d like restaurants to be open. I don’t understand the concept of “respecting” those who are fasting by not eating in front of them. In this case, the same logic has to be applied to adverts about food.

If the mere sight of someone eating or drinking is enough to break ones will, perhaps fasting is not for them.

It is a well known fact that not much gets done and productivity plummets during this time.

Not all muslims are fasting. And some people actually have health reasons and can’t fast during Ramadan.

Fasting is exempt for the following:

Too old
Too young
Pregnant women
Women on period
People travelling
Any one who cannot fast for medical reasons (regular medication needed, etc.)

Now you know 🙂

Western company here, about 70% of our staff are non-Muslim. I eat and drink at work as I normally would. I consider it my contribution to strengthening their faith. If they can handle the smell of my leftover pizza and still fast, I’m sure there are extra brownie points for that. I do find that having everything closed seems to say “these poor people are so weak and can’t handle fasting we have to make sure there are no options for them otherwise they’ll cheat”. Well as some said, that’s for them to reconcile with their faith. And if you live in France or the US, everything is open and you are still expected to fast. I mean I don’t REALLY care, I can grab a salad from the co-op for lunch and eat it at my desk but every now and then I think “I’ll grab coffee on the way to work….” Never mind.

We should check what Islam is saying in this case and how it should be or managed in a muslim country.

Well, we know what Islam says: You should fast if you are healthy, not on medication, not having your period, a certain age. Fasting in Islam should not be forced or harm you.
Also, apart for Saudi Arabia, other muslim countries don’t handle Ramadan as harsh as Kuwait. I don’t think it’s good for a society to live in fear of being put into jail because of drinking or eating.
So in a respecful way the laws should be losened and solutions should be found in which Ramadan is the happy and nice month it is supposed to be and not the month everyone rolls their eyes when thinking about it or tries to escape of.

You are wrong. Many Muslim countries handle Ramadan as harsh as Kuwait and even worse. Go look up the ramadan fasting laws in other GCC countries including the UAE and Qatar.

Why do u keep stating that fasting laws in the GCC are the same or worse than Kuwait? This is like the 3rd or 4th time, why is that your standard? Just because other GCC countries do it does not mean it is right dude. Broaden your vision, look globally, it is a violation of HUMAN RIGHTS to ban people from drinking water in public, simple.

It should be personal choice. As a bachelor, non-muslim, i suffered a lot during ramadan. Muslims in my office don’t mind me having food.
But unfortunately the law is so biased against who do not fast.
Imagine all western countries imposing similar law on non-christians during lent.
Whole world will cry and moan endlessly. Why different yardsticks on basic human rights.
Eating is a basic human right. I can’t overemphasize this!
My request to all moderate Kuwait citizens please recognize this fundamental right. This isn’t a perquisite. Tell your lawmakers, talk about this in your diwaniyas. Please bring the change.

Regarding the eating only Chinese food from China Kitchen, you could give Lulu a try as it is very close to you. Their Indian food offerings are quite good actually.

Yess thats the message that I always wanted to send to people which is, if you are a muslim then you have to fast as any other muslims and you have to be convinced about it. What I mean is that you are the one who does not want to eat or drink .Closing the resturants to not let you eat is not a solution .Let The same thing happens when you are living in a non-muslim country;there are open resturants but you dont eat because you are fasting

But…I think resturants here in kuwait are clising because there will be no one to order so why shall them open?.In fact,the law is what makes people fast, that they dont want to break the law .If there are open restaurants and no restrictions upon smoking in public you will see a lot of ppl eating,drinking and even smoking.

Ramadan is supposed to be a training period for strengthening our self-control to conduct ourselves better for the remainder of the year. So doesn’t a blanket ban on food just defeat the purpose? If anything, I say the non-fasting folks should eat twice as much publicly to put us to the test! 😀

The focus should be more on building our will power and less on eliminating the temptations. And not eating publicly should be out of respect, not for lack of choice.

Also, out of curiosity, are children allowed to eat in public?

IMO the problem of closed restaurants leads to the general question of how Kuwait deals with non-fasting people during Ramadan. As already mentioned by others, there are many reasons not to fast when you are a muslim. Also there are so many expats and non-muslims so why not overthink the laws in general. Why do people have to worry being caught drinking water in their own car, having a snack or a smoke in some corner and maybe being thrown into jail for the rest of Ramadan having to pay a fine also? That is authoritarian in a really bad way. If they renew the laws they should also think about opening restaurants maybe without music playing and curtains. But fasting laws this harsh don’t make sense at all and is not healthy for a society.

As a fasting Muslim American who grew up fasting in a non-Muslim country (California) I don’t have a problem with businesses being open. Religions are between the person and his creator not to be judged by everyone else. I don’t know the statistics but I would assume a large number of people in this country aren’t Muslim and not all of the Muslims fast.

Sultan center makes tons of $$$ that month… He for sure wouldn’t want anything to change.

I say abolish this stone age rule ones for all. …….

Yes actually I do mind! However, if colleagues in work who are non muslin – non fasting wanted to eat let them go ahead and do so, but I don’t agree that restaurants should open before sunset and that’s because 90% of their customers are fasting so there’s no point of opening, second we live in a Muslim traditional country it’s so hard to live abroad and have the same tradition and religious feel we have in our country so why get rid of that?.. and it’s just a month, one month where many Muslims take the time to better themselves, hopefully more people can respect that!.

“90% of their customers are fasting”, where did u get that statistic? Myself and many others I know don’t fast. If restaurants being open offends u so much then don’t go out and better urself at home 🙂

Im sorry everything you said makes no sense. 90%? really? are u sure it’s not 88.8%? Math is fun. Second, You think our muslim traditions are held in place only because everyone is forced to fast and not eat or drink in public? So you are somewhat saying Your beliefs and traditions are so weak that you need the law to enforce the traditions for you, because it’s what makes YOU comfortable and warm? Cant believers enforce the law on themselves? Cant others who dont believe, enjoy life? It’s like an overweight person going on a diet for a month and making everyone in public NOT EAT because it hurts his or her feelings. Does not make sense

Even though I do fast, but I don’t think that it should be prohibited to eat and drink in public during fasting hours and restaurants should stay open because a lot of people have medical conditions and they can’t fast, like diabetics; they need to eat if they have low blood sugar levels and they need to drink water, otherwise they might faint or even die.

And even if someone is not a muslim or even a muslim who is not fasting, why should they be forced to fast during the day?

It’s not like I’ll die if I see someone eating..

I’ve only fasted once in my life, when I was a kid. I think the only reason the government has a ban on restaurants is to appease the “Religious right”. My family (Kuwaiti, muslim), I would say that about 25% do not fast, but I’m the only one who is open about it.

I just don’t understand why muslims get offended by someone eating in front of them, but it would be ok to have cooking shows all day on TV.

I don’t think anyone gets offended. I think it is more of a jealousy-type mentality “why does that person eat/drink while I cannot do that?”. As you said, cooking shows and commercials that show food are on TV all day and no one seems to care about them.

Honestly, none of the muslims I know would be offended with someone eating in front of them. but the law should be equal for all.
Either shorten the working hours and ban on eatings & drinking in public or keep the same working hours as normal day with all the other laws being same.
Or, let fasting people work for 6 hours and non fasting people work for 9 hrs with eating and drinking in public and work place being allowed. this would cause outrage, because non fasting people don’t want to work for more than 6 hours in Ramadan. Why?
they’d call this partiality. But they have a problem in working for 6 hours and not getting to eat for 6 hours or in public.

If there was a law that said, anyone fasting (not eating) at work place can leave work in 6 hours, the whole country including the non-muslims would refrain from eating for their own gain. But they have a problem when it’s implemented by the government. Hypocrisy.

They are afraid to get rid of this practice because outcome may be unpredictable and ultimately ruin the whole set up like a card house. Today you don’t feel like fasting, tomorrow you wanna have a legal beer in sultan and then maybe you demand a presidential election and democracy???..nonono.
I don’t fast and i don’t believe in gods.

I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I fast as a muslim, so restaurants being closed during the day is a normal thing for me. As a kid (when fasting) I thought it was nice since there was no temptation. This is .. as a child.

I was in the US for college and during Ramadan everything was open. It was up to me to decide what I wanted to do – which makes the act of fasting difficult in that temptation is everywhere, at the same time it strengthens your will.

I think sadly like most holidays and other occasions, Ramadan is more about commercial successes vs. the religious part of it.

There is no blanket limitations on restaurants; as food is available most everywhere.

I don’t buy this argument that “this is a muslim country and so we have these laws”.

Indonesia and Malaysia are muslim countries, and there are no such laws for punishment for eating in public during Ramadan or forcing restaurants to close.

I’ll only say this. As a local I was told in school and those people with super long beards that Islam was the religion of peace and acceptance, god is incomprehensibly caring and forgiving and that Ramadan was the month of kindess and giving. I need a cognac I swear.

You must know better than being a troll and making fun of a religion. You think you’re being funny but in reality you’re being disrespectful.

Every opinion can be ridiculed and made fun of, it is up to the believer to brush the ridicule away and move on with life. Do not tell people how to talk or what to say.

I try good sir, i try. Also you didnt really say anything disrespectful, it’s the believers who get annoyed and pissed off at words that they believe were disrespect, because that is what they were taught to look for, look for the ones that dont like your belief and CALL THEM OUT FOR IT, so sad

I’m not brave a troll I’m being honest. That’s what I was thought, that is my opinion of those religious people and I really really want a cognac. It’s simple.

Im a Kuwaiti, i dont fast and i dont believe. I asked a question prev on insta about what people think about the laws in kuwait that relate to punishment for not fasting, surprisingly 80% voted that the law should still be placed. Yet! most people that voted yes i know them personally that are not strong and strict believers and do bad more than good, many drink have fun in other countries but want a religious country!. It was quite eye-openning. So, to convince people to change yeah i wish.

I’m sorry. but just because one is going to hell, doesn’t mean he would take his country to hell.
What one wants for himself is a totally different thing that what one wants for his country.

No one is forcing anyone not to fast, just like people should not be forced to “fast”. We would just like the restaurants to be open for those like us Kuwaitis and foreigners alike who do not fast 🙂
If you want everyone to pretend like they are fasting then you are lying to urself and god.
“Take his country to hell” – have you experienced kuwait during the summer? It is hell.

I fast and I think the law is ridiculous. I feel like it encourages people to risk their health just so they can get swept up in pseudo fasting. I know a lot to moderate Muslims who feel even if they can’t fast, they should appear fasting out of respect for everyone else. Which is terrible! Ramadan is about being a bigger person and fasting is A CHOICE not an obligation! I hope they lift this ban soon and let people get used to the idea that eating during Ramadan is ok and won’t break your faith or whatever.

Well I see a lot of hypocrisy flying around in the comments section.

Personally,
1. I intend on fasting every year and fast every day of Ramadan.
2. I come from a non-muslim country, so I’m pretty much used to working full time and having no special incentives just because I’m fasting.
3. I don’t really mind or care about restaurants are being open or not, or if someone is eating in front of me or not as far as the person is not taunting me while eating. That’s disrespectful.

On the laws of Kuwait, I think jail term for someone eating in public is extreme. Personally, I haven’t heard of anyone being fined or jailed for eating in public.
I think there’s no law on restaurants being closed. Probably, the restaurants do it because there aren’t many customers or because there’s a law on shortened working hours.

Now for the people who are complaining about not being able to eat in public.

I think the restaurants should at least deliver, but I’m not sure as written above as to why there are closed. probably there’s a law for the restaurants to be closed, because there’s a law on shortened working hours or because restaurants have reduced business due to lack of customers and they think it’s not worth it.

Now for the people who complain about not being able to or allowed to eat at desk. You are working 6 hours!!! when you’re working for 6 hours, you are not expected to take a lunch break. you’re to work for 6 hours.
the same people who complain would be furious if the law said that muslims should work for 6 hours and the rest for 9 hours with 30 mins lunch break and you could wherever you want. The same people would say that the law is biased towards non-muslims!
why do you want all the benefits of working house when you are not fasting but don’t want to agree to the limitations that comes with it? that’s hypocrisy.

Moreover, every country is allowed to make their own set of rules. how is banning on burqa or hijab in a western country is their right and banning eating in public during Ramadan not?

Moreover, it only says in public.

Actually you’re wrong. The jail term is rarely ever enforced.

Other GCC countries have similar laws about fasting/Ramadan. Why only single out Kuwait?

I come from a muslim country or atleast a muslim majority country. However, in my country Ramadhan is more or less the same with any other months. Businesses open as usual including fast food. Working hour is the same. The only different is probably there is meeting is not conducted after 3pm (8-5 working hrs) and more religious activities during night time. However, I found that most of my colleagues (non muslim) usually refrain from eating in the office (we have open concept office). They just eat at the office pantry, or eat out at the restaurant near the office. I fast and normally host iftar for muslim and non muslim alike and so does other muslim and non muslim friends. With the exception of some politicians and extremies, it’s not a big deal in my country. We are used to living in multicultural society.

I come from Poland and spent 5 years in Kuwait recently. I am a runner and train daily. Most of my runs are done in the mornings and I had to change that in Ramadan as I was afraid to use water stations. On one hand – not a big deal, but on the other hand, this is religion forcing me to change my habits. I miss Kuwait, I miss my friends, I respect local laws and I lived by them and ALL my muslim friends were always very understanding and encouraged me to have a coffee or lunch, but I strongly believe that religious laws should never be forced upon all equally. I am not religious, I want to stay away from religion, while respecting that other people might be believers. In Kuwait, I felt I had no freedom in this respect. And I always felt a bit of fear I might seriously offend somebody if I say something (very loud mosque prayers etc.).

p.s. I still love Kuwait

Me too Agree with you. Besides most of the workers in restaurants are Muslims, and many of them i assume fasting too. Why would they have to work/cook while fasting.

Personally I do not have any issue people eating in front of me.

And In fact GCC/Kuwait is the best place to be for any Muslim who wants to fast during Ramadan. As the working hours are shorter and people can rest and pray during the day.

Everybody should think first. why we are fasting? what is the concept of fasting? did all religions bring fasting just not to eat or drink (material things) ? or it have deeper meaning and concept and its all about spiritual fasting how to be a better person and to get rid of bad habits and qualities we have and do more good around u. from lying, talking behind person, service, helping others, Do your job at work in best way.

think about it, if we really get the concept lots of things will change around us. 🙂

Glad to see majority of fasting people here do not mind if non-fasting individuals eat of drink in front of them, hopefully laws will change soon.

Personally,

1. Don’t mind if restaurants are open during fasting period (but i also like when i see that all the restaurants are closed during the day, it just give me good vibe that i live in a Muslim country)

2. Will appreciate if restaurants are allowed to deliver food during fasting period as well (THIS IS KIND A MUST THING ESPECIALLY FOR ANYONE WHO DOESN’T FAST OR IS NON-MUSLIM)

3. Though eating in public will not offend me in any way (i will simply smile and move on), but i personally believe people should respect religious sentiments (which involves not to eat in public when you are living in a Muslim country)

4. Giving jail term for eating in public, this is not good. Authorities just need to tell / warn people not to follow such practice and it will be more than enough. As someone said in the comments section that not eating publicly should be out of respect, not for lack of choice.

5. I have never heard from a Muslim saying that seeing someone eating makes his will to fast weak (it doesn’t work like this)

6. Government shouldn’t enforce fasting on Muslims – like at all (Parents Should)

Mark!
Dont ask for the change in our Muslim countries since you people have zero tolerance for us in back home, it should apply to you as well so If you dont like Muslim rules and culture just go back to your country!

We Muslim have to treat you the way your non-Muslim treat us their countries. When it comes to make money, people fly all the way here, enjoy the food, make good money and than and go back and start abusing Muslims.

We Muslims are stupid as we start been polite with u.

So simple answer is just GO HOME !

Not sure if you`re being sarcastic or not. If you do, doesn`t work that well, if you`re not…you have issues, should start reading some books elevate your spirit …
Muslims are receiving way more tolerance in “western” world how you like to call it, then non-muslim in some muslim countries.

i think all this fasting is getting to you!! you need to rush home before your worktime, speed through the emergency lanes while honking at slow cars, make some illegal turns and go sip some vimto.

I feel humbled. You get cognac! You get cognac! That guy that screams on the microphone in the morning get cognac! Everyone gets cognac.

M. Rayed!

Nah, you’re the only one that’s stupid.

I’m glad that you freely admitted that YOU are stupid.

Where do you get off telling people who have made Kuwait their home to leave Kuwait and “Go Home”? That’s not very tolerant of YOU… and you call yourself a Muslim?

Btw, Kuwait is not Heaven on Earth (the food is not THAT enjoyable and money is NOT everything) and life in Kuwait is not the easiest and nobody is abusing Muslims. In fact, it’s the other way around. Muslims are the ones abusing everyone else!

You are not an example of the Perfect Muslim or even a Proper Muslim. You are an example of a Stupid Muslim. Stupid Muslims like you should just go ahead and drown themselves already. The World (including Kuwait) would be much better off.

How does it feel to get a taste of your own medicine?

I’m not fasting since I’m pregnant, but if I were I wouldn’t really care if other people eat or drink. Still, if I get thirsty or hungry while I’m out I just drink or eat a snack in a closed off area, I won’t starve because restaurants are closed. Still, there is no harm in having a closed off food court open during the day, people can eat and no feelings are hurt 😛

I don’t think it’s
illegal for restaurants to deliver food during Ramadan since some restaurants do deliver. Maybe sales aren’t worth the cost of operating during the day.

Let’s preserve our culture. It is beautiful. It is different. I would be sad if globalization standardizes us as well.

Culture is not religion, religion is not culture.
Culture is a framework of traditions and values and history.
Religion is a moral compass between u and your god.
Please learn to separate the two.

Even though I agree that there is a clear distinction between the two, there are certain areas of overlap. A people’s religion influences their culture, and culture influences how they practice their religion.

Yes I do fast, no I don’t mind if restaurants open during the day, and lastly I could not care less if a person was feasting in front of me. The whole point of ramadan is to feel what those who are less fortunate than you feel, at least by the end of the day I have a meal ready for me, where as they don’t and I’m grateful for that. For those that say that other GCC countries do that isn’t a justification or an excuse because they too are wrong. Allah taught us in the Quran to be just and allow freedom of religion, justice is mentioned in the Quran more than praying. So for my fellow Christians, Hindus, or anyone, eat, drink, be merry. Sorry for all these BS rules, they DO NOT represent Islam.

How about we talk about the loud speaker going off at all hours of the day and night and the person screaming into the microphone next?

Hmm.. Pretty controversial questions you’re asking.
Clear straight up answer away from all the BS: In the Qura’an Allah addresses non-Muslims when speaking of Islam’s teachings. I know many don’t bother to read Qura’an or rather fathom it’s meanings, but if you care go and search and READ so you maybe understand why these laws are inforced since Kuwait is a Muslim country and Islam it’s source of legislations (yea I know alot of laws are according to foreign rules but it is what it is if). If you don’t want to fast in Kuwait, don’t! But please respect the laws. When people go abroad they respect other countries laws no matter how they don’t go along with what they’re familiar with so please, follow suit and don’t question much about this law if you don’t understand the background and where it came from and what Islam is. “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion” so when Kuwait becomes 100% religion freedom country, only then anyone does whatever they want.

So you just read whatever your mind can process? And yes sure, there are those incidents and they do not represent all of Kuwaitis so please, don’t think you’re so smart with your argument cuz it can be debunked easily cuz it applies to everything.

This is such an important discussion to have because all of us come from different backgrounds. As a non-muslim who has lived in the Middle East for the past 3 years (Oman, Qatar and Kuwait) it has been very interesting to see how each country has dealt with Ramadan and the issue of closing restaurants or eating and drinking in public. For myself I have tackled this issue out of respect for the Muslims who do fast during Ramadan. While I definitely don’t agree that fasting laws should exist, they currently do. So instead of cry about it, I adapt to the environment that I have chosen to live in. Before Ramadan starts I will stock up on snacks and groceries so I can do more cooking in my apartment. It is easier for me to handle Ramadan because I work on a military base where I can still eat breakfast and lunch, so I only have to deal with about 6 hours of everything being closed. The Kuwaitis on base don’t tell us we cant continue to eat but we definitely don’t eat or drink in front of them out of respect. We will close our door in the office to eat, but we freely drink water because it is crazy hot out in the desert. I think there should be a balance of respect from both sides and practicing Muslims should not get offended by others who don’t want to participate. I don’t judge your fasting and neither should I be judged for continuing to live my life normally. Side note it is a good deal to only have to work 6 hours for a month and the traffic is better for a month as well. So these are benefits for myself during Ramadan. It isn’t all bad for us Non-Muslims.

The simple and easy answer, if you don’t like it, GTFO! I like the ban and restaurants closing, #ramadan vibes.

GTFO? LOL That’s so 2002!

Ideally, Muslims are supposed to be tolerant and accepting and welcoming and all about hospitality. FFS y’all are missing the whole point of Ramadan, not to mention being Muslim.

I’m pretty sure it states somewhere in the Holy Quran/Koran “thou shall not be a douche-y a-hole”, or something to that effect.

Here’s a thought. How about all you perfect little Muslims focus more on trying to be decent human beings FIRST for starters and work your way up from there? #basic human decency

I personally don’t mind if someone eats or drinks next to me. I do mind (majorly) if someone smokes next to me as not only is it harmful to my body in general, but smelling smoke on an empty stomach is much worse.

On the office floor I work, we’ve made it clear to Chrisitan colleagues that they can eat, drink coffee or w/e whenever they want, we don’t mind but they still do it very discreetly out of respect.

First the restaurants close in Ramadan during the day , simply bcoz the staff work longer hours during the night, as most of them operate untill 3 o’clock in the morning , so they need to have rest , and sleep in order to work the next day ???? Or they will end up working 20 hours a day for the sake you can order your lunch ????
The second issue why we keep arguing about any law regarding eating in ramadan ) regardless if it is a law or not ), it is simple as this when ever u travel to any country or live in any country u r expected to respect their laws, tradition, rules , why kuwait is an execption, u chose to live in muslim country , i think u should respect their rules and tradition. I dont mind if anyone eats in front of me and i dont care ???? But Ramadan used to have holly spirit where we are missing each year bcoz ppl just want to make it like any other month of the year, and thats really sad .

Restaurants open longer during usual days, 12 to 12 for example vs 5 to 2. Also there is something called shifts, if a restaurant is open 24/7 doesn’t mean the staff work 24 hour shifts…

Hey Mark,
It would be really interesting if you’d have a like and dislike option on your posts.
In my opinion some of your articles are controversial in which many people oppose but are not interested in commenting,

^^^^^^^^^^^
Woops! I misread that and take it back. I’d rather see a like dislike for comments, not your posts.

I don’t see a problem with non-muslims eating and drinking privately, but publicly I’m for the that law since its a tradition by now and a religious rite, when in rome do as the Romans, after all kuwait is a Muslim country, eat and enjoy your time privately don’t see the problem with that most coops and supermarkets are open if you want to purchase food. It’s Not like kuwait is the only country that follows its religion. Lots of countries have restrictions based on their religion like India and other polycystic nations.

I couldn’t care less to be honest I fast and work outdoors during ramadan with employees drinking water and smoking it all depends on your mentality. That said Kuwait is a Muslim country and it follows its religion and tradition. when I travel to other countries I respect their views and religion and traditions. plus many restaurants are open for you to order.

As a muslim in a muslim country who follows sharee’ah i do mind. you should note that it is not permissible for a Muslim to offer food to a non-Muslim during the day in Ramadan, because the minor issues of sharee’ah are addressed to the kuffaar too. it is not permissible for a muslim to offer food to anyone to eat during the day in Ramadaan, unless he has an excuse that allows him not to fast, such as one who is sick or is travelling. There is no differentiation between Muslims and kaafirs in this matter. The Muslim who is not fasting is commanded to fast, so he is sinning by not fasting. Enabling him to eat and drink during the day in Ramadan is helping him in sin and transgression. The command to fast and all other rulings are also addressed to the kaafir, but before that he is required to utter the Shahaadatayn (the twin declaration of faith) and enter Islam. On the Day of Resurrection the kaafir will be punished for his kufr and for the laws of Islam that he did not follow, so his punishment in Hell will be increased.

I respect your opinion but keep one thing in mind: Kuwait does not fully implement Sharia law, so it would be somewhat pointless to base your opinion on that. Sharia law only applies to family court (marriage, divorce, inheritance, child custody, etc.)

“Legal system:
mixed legal system consisting of English common law, French civil law, and Islamic Sharia law”

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ku.html

“Kuwait follows the “civil law system” modeled after the French legal system, Kuwait’s legal system is largely secular. Sharia law governs only family law for Muslim residents,non-Muslims in Kuwait have a secular family law. For the application of family law, there are three separate court sections: Sunni, Shia and non-Muslim.

The court system in Kuwait is secular. Unlike other Gulf states, Kuwait does not have Sharia courts. Sections of the civil court system administer family law. Kuwait has the most secular commercial law in the Persian Gulf region.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_system_of_Kuwait

As a Kuwaiti I’m really ashamed that non-muslims or else are forced to fast in Ramadhan.
I think that Restaurants should be open as usual but with curtains during fasting hours like other GCC countries. in which fasting & non fasting pupils are doing what they want with respect to the other party.

Guys, listen, its a muslim country, you dont fast, then dont, just respect others and dont eat in front of them period.

respect the country your in and its laws regardless of whether you like them or not. when you are in another country other than Kuwait and hear about any law which you think is ridiculous you dont go ranting about it and objecting like it was your right. you respect it, do you your thing on the side and move on. But since its Kuwait, people seem to rant about the country like it was the enemy.

restaurants are open, yes not all but some are open the reasons beings:

the workers are muslim
peak hours in order time
late night orders (peak hours)

In the end, just respect the country your in and be a good Ambassador to your own country and everybody lives in peace.

Salam

Kuwait bashing is a thing; see reddit r/kuwait and you’ll have your fill.

That aside, when any one of use lives abroad, despite the most ludicrous of laws what do we do? We follow them. Why? Because the law says so for one, and secondly out of respect for its people.

But not Kuwait. No, “this” law is “retarded” or “inhumane” or “backwards” or whatever it is.

Im Muslim, i fast and I personally dont mind if people eat in front of me because ive done it for 8 years abroad. However, that doesnt mean my neighbour doesnt mind, or that poor fellow cleaning the roads whilst fasting doesnt mind, or the manual labour guys dont mind.

Those are the people i respect, they’re exhausted as they are, and on top of that you guys want to drink a bottle of water in front of them because you cant wait to do it in private? Whos being insensitive now?

Islam is about respect and manners above all. Common courtesy alone is enough for me to keep the law as it is (despite not being enforced anyway).

everyone should see this in someone else’s perspective, what if they start implementing a fine and jail time for the time where Christians have to fast. Why don’t Christians get the same respect as the Muslims? What differs us? Why shame the non fasting for not doing what you are doing! Not everyone should be like each other, that’s just boring

while I got angered and closed this tab due to some of the ignorant replies of fake-religious folks pretending to be doing good by agreeing with this law, I stumbled upon this article, which brings me back here to share;
https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/six-held-in-cafe-serving-meals-and-sheesha-during-daytime-in-the-holy-month-of-ramadan/

I’m assuming there is a law that forces restaurants to close according to this.

this is forced common courtesy, those guys you speak of may not mind it either, so you dont speak for them.
I am kuwaiti and im against this law. im not saying go on bash the country, but kuwait shouldnt be enforce religious laws, but only civil ones. We have more non kuwaitis living and working here than kuwaitis themselves, thus possibly more non muslims than muslims (including kuwaitis themselves). Having one religion laws enforced on those with different beliefs is ignorant. The laws you spoke of abroad that you followed, were most definitely non religious and purely civil. You cannot compare the two. I’m not saying Kuwait has the most terrible religious laws; thankfully, it doesn’t. What im saying is, despite it being one month long, its still a human right to be able to eat and drink in public. whether the person is sick, on period, etc, you shouldn’t have to explain yourself. it’s your right. your religion is only between yourself and god. for god’s sake that’s been repeated way too much in the comments here yet people still insist forcing people to hold back is the right way.

I worked with non Muslims and I allow them you can eat and smoke front me, I am fasting for Allah and it’s doesn’t mean if I am fasting and you will be in problem means don’t eat front of me don’t smoke, it’s not in our religion… Closing resturan not eating in public all this human law…. Beacuse we are fasting we can not punish or give problems other religion … Fasting teach us control tha Nafas …

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