RAMADAN and Eid ul-Fitr

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 02 Sep 2008, 14:46

http://www.cwu.org.uk/news.asp?step=3&NID=2099

COMES FROM THE CWU SITE BUT I THINK ITS WORTH POSTING AGAIN HERE

For most Muslims around the world September 1st will have seen the commencement of Ramadan, otherwise known as the month of fasting. This is a greatly symbolic period for Muslims and we thought it would be useful for non-Muslims if we provided this ‘rough giude’ so you can be more tolerate and understanding to Muslims participating in Ramadan.

The name "Ramadan" is the name of the ninth month; the word itself derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground, and shortness of rations. It is considered the most venerated and blessed month of the Islamic year. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time; religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month. From sunrise to sunset, those fasting will not be permitted to eat or drink anything during this period – for the start of Ramadan this will mean periods of fasting as long as 16 hours every day. It is important to be considerate to your Muslim colleagues during these periods.

Once the month of Ramadam is observed the three day festival Eid ul-Fitr will commence. Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance, celebrating the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.

If you wish to show your understanding in a positive way, once Eid ul-Fitr commences, which will be on 30th September (for three days) greetings such as Eid Mubarak or simply happy Eid would be well received.

Any queries regarding Ramadan or Eid ul-Fitr should in the first instance come to the Equal Opportunties Department

NWpostie · Post by **NWpostie** » 04 Sep 2008, 00:08

I am ok with that as long as Christian events are given the same level of respect and acceptance, without imposition on either side.

there are too many tales of Muslims in the media, expecting everybody to follow and do things their way and trample over indigious beliefs in the process, a bit of give and take is required otherwise resentment will build up souring relations.

I like to celebrate St Georges day and any Muslims that consider themselves English is welcome to celebrate it and maybe drink a (non-Alcoholic) drink, which means more beer for the rest of us

Post by **plodsie** » 04 Sep 2008, 01:13

Oh please! Give us a break from all religious claptrap and everything else. Our union has far more important things to be getting on with than celebrating our diverse workforce. So what if you are a muslim/hindu/Buddhist/Catholic/protestant/Jedi? Big deal... soon you will be an unemployed muslim/hindu/Buddhist/Catholic/protestant/Jedi! Oh and Mr.Admin please change your name too before it offends anyone who is not a man or a post.

Broxi51 · Post by **Broxi51** » 04 Sep 2008, 19:59

linkinpark wrote:
plodsie wrote:Oh please! Give us a break from all religious claptrap and everything else. Our union has far more important things to be getting on with than celebrating our diverse workforce. So what if you are a muslim/hindu/Buddhist/Catholic/protestant/Jedi? Big deal... soon you will be an unemployed muslim/hindu/Buddhist/Catholic/protestant/Jedi! Oh and Mr.Admin please change your name too before it offends anyone who is not a man or a post.
Sorry mate i dont get this post. We all know CR*P is going on with our jobs, Terms, Conditions and Pensions buts whats so hard about respecting someone else`s religion? To me this is just a common courtesy whilst baptised C of E i dont go to church or believe but that dont mean i cant wish people a happy Christmas or Easter because i am not Christian! So please tell me whats so bad about treating other workers with the same respect just because they believe in something else that i dont? If you look around RMC you will find all the issues you seem to want to discuss so why poo poo a thread that is about showing your fellow workers that we care about them as (sorry for the edit i cant spell as i write us Doh.LOL.)much as anyone else? And the bloody thing i find really offensive is your use of the term JEDI! Whats that about? May the force be with you! Never knock Star Wars FFS.

Post by **plodsie** » 04 Sep 2008, 21:57

Linkin, sorry if that post caused offence. But the gist of it all, was what the hell your religion has to do with anyone you work with. I did not say we should not respect people's religions or their beliefs. I just don't know what the hell it has to do with working for Royal Mail. We shouldn't be asked to respect people because of their religion, we should respect them for being a workmate and a colleague. We have more important issues to be getting on with, our places of work are now on their knees.. and it is not through praying!