A little about Ramadan (taken from Wikipedia) - Ramadan Arabic: رمضان, Ramaḍān) is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, believed to be the month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Angel Gabriel, who later revealed it to the Prophet Muhammad. It is the Islamic month of fasting sawm), in which participating Muslims do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the person patience and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. In Ramadan Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refrain from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual thoughts and activities during fasting hours are also forbidden. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God Almighty. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate. It is also intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable.
Experiencing Ramadan is a bit interesting here. For Muslims there is no eating, drinking or intimacy during day light hours for an entire month. For non-Muslims there is still no eating or drinking in public, nor loud or live music, singing or dancing. You can't even chew gum in your car or take a quick drink of water while walking on the hot beach. Kids and pregnant women are exempt from the rule but it is still frowned upon. Work and school hours are also reduced. The girls go into school an hour later and are let out and hour earlier. Of course they like that part! Larry's office is working from 8:30-2:30. They are required by law to let their Muslim employees go after 6 hours of work. He of course continues to work regular hours but mostly at home after 3 or so.
