Several years ago, we were in Egypt and Turkey during Ramadan.
Our tour guides were Muslim and very carefully explained that during the day, they would assure that we had plenty of drinks and snacks. When we asked how they managed to get along all day without drinks and food, they explained that it is their choice to do so. If they WANTED, they could take a drink or food and their failing that day would be between them and Allah to work out...perhaps an extra day of fasting at some future point.
For children under 18 years, Ramadan is totally up to them and the parents they told us. Small children and new mothers nursing are exempt.
Granted this was in more "developed" countries than Iran...but you get the point: this is NOT the way it is supposed to be. Much like meatless Fridays for Catholics during Lent, you do it, sometimes you forget and it's between you and Him...you don't get lashed by your priest on Sunday...
Islam, the religion of pieces when not properly observed...just horrible when abused!!
G
haha, I accidentally made my roommate break Ramadan. Came back from the store, offered him a Corona, he accepted, and as soon as he took his first sip..."oh F***!!!" lol. He didn't care though. He's not religious at all, just does it for sake of tradition, sees it as a personal challenge to his heritage.
While I'm talking about might roommate, I might as well let you guys know I watched Fahrenheit 911 with him the other day. He's more of a liberal, but he was very offended by the first half of the movie in which Moore villifies Bush because of his association with the Saudis. My roommate lived in Saudi Arabia for the first few years of his life, so he got very offended and kept pointing out Moore's inconsistancies. I thoroughly enjoyed it! =P