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Ramadan brings need for new cultural awareness

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dale Greer
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins today, bringing with it a new set of cultural sensitivities for Airmen to respect, Air Force officials said.

Ramadan is one of the pillars of the Muslim faith, according to Col. David Reeson, wing chaplain for the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing here. It is observed during the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, which means it will be celebrated this year from Aug. 11 to Sept. 9.

Muslims believe the month of Ramadan corresponds to the time at which God revealed the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. As such, it is the holiest of all months, Colonel Reeson said.

During Ramadan, Muslims observe several practices designed to focus their energies on purity of spirit. These include fasting from sunrise to sunset.

"But these practices go beyond refraining from food and drink," Colonel Reeson said.

"The follower also must refrain from gossip, smoking, swearing or any other kind of indulgence. The whole process is basically a cleansing of the spirit through restraint."

The fast is not an easy process, Colonel Reeson said. During the hours of daylight, many Muslims -- including those who work on base to provide essential services -- will be tired, dehydrated and hungry. For this reason, Airmen should not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in front of Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

"As representatives of the U.S. Air Force, we need to be sensitive to these observances," Colonel Reeson said. "If people are fasting, it's not a good idea to eat in front of them. Ultimately, we're guests in this part of the world, and we need to be respectful of the people here. It all comes down to the golden rule: We should treat Muslims the same way we would want to be treated."

To offer Airmen more guidance, the 386th AEW has issued a policy memo outlining acceptable behavior during the month of Ramadan. The policy states that it is illegal under host-nation laws to eat, drink or smoke in public between dawn and dusk throughout Ramadan. Off-base violations may result in arrest by local authorities, while on-base violations may be forwarded to the wing commander for possible disciplinary action.

The policy requires all eating, drinking and gum-chewing to take place indoors between the hours of 4 a.m. and 7 p.m. The only exception is for Airmen who need to stay hydrated on the flight line or in the performance of their primary duties while outdoors on base. They are authorized to drink water discreetly, out of view of practicing Muslims.

The full policy memo, which also addresses appropriate clothing for women while traveling outside the base perimeter, is available from section supervisors.

"We will not jeopardize safety," said Col. Patrick Mordente, 386th AEW commander, "but as guests here, we need to observe certain rules of behavior so as not to offend our hosts."