This strange but important Muslim month goes all through September - no eating or drinking during daytime hours, no sex, fasting until October.

Since Ramadan moves forwards every year, next year it will fall in August and for a decade will be in summer - much harder (longer daylight).

Ramadan is good in some ways (encourages self examination, discipline and tolerance) and bad in others (towards the end of each month people start getting very ratty).

I am used to seeing many of my local shops shut at this time for ages.

It shouldn't mean closure of shops - Ramadan is not meant to disrupt normal life but it does seem to have a tendency to do so.

I think Anita is right, I also have seen the owners all stand outside shops whilst they are locked for a bit.
Maybe it depends on different beliefs in a religion that I for one do not understand, but respect what they decide to do.

Very tough ! But acts as a way in which to focus yourself on spiritual things - so must be worth it.

JK2006 wrote:

Ramadan is good in some ways (encourages self examination, discipline and tolerance) and bad in others (towards the end of each month people start getting very ratty).
Or are they just doing it because a raving lunatic from the 7th century told them to? Still, fine by me as long as they don't act on the parts of the Qu'ran which tells Muslims to strike of my head because I'm an infidel.

Not to disrespect any religion, which I would never ever, ever do, but somebody has just e mailed me and suggested I go for Number 10, this is a classic example of how cults, and writings, become a religion over the years.
I personally can`t do the religion thing because it is based on a writers thoughts and believe me, I know how random they can be.

All organised religions have ridiculous extremists and can cause massive evils in their name.

But they can also be excellent moral crutches for those who need guides to social behaviour.

As in everything, shades of grey.