KUWAIT, Aug 25 (Kuwait Times): Ramadan is a special time when dinner invitations abound. This article will focus on some customs related to such invitations and some tips on how to make these visits a positive and enjoyable experience. Since Muslim/Arab culture stresses the significance of honoring guests, especially during Ramadan, the host will serve large quantities of food so as to ensure that all the guests are satisfied.
Another custom is that the host and his family are normally the last to eat, as a means of honoring the guests. However, in Ramadan they will hasten to break the fast, usually on dates and water or milk before performing the sunset prayer (Maghreb). Afterwards, they will have a heavy meal. Muslims tend to be more generous during Ramadan, inviting relatives and friends, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, either to break the fast with them or to a nighttime meal known as a ghabqa.
Do's
1-If you are invited to break the fast with Muslims, accept the invitation and don't hesitate to bring a friend with you. Although it is not obligatory, it would be nice to take either flowers or sweets with you as a sign of friendship. If you bring sweets, don't be offended if the host does not put them out, as doing so might be seen as indicating that he has no sweets of his own to offer.
2-It is not bad manners to linger around the meal before Iftar (breaking the fast), praising the host for the appealing dishes and attractive food.
3-Do inquire about the host's health, but if you are a man, don't inquire specifically about his wife in her absence. Rather, express your wishes that his family is well.
4-Since restaurants will be closed during the day in Ramadan, you are advised to take your own food when going to work.
Don'ts
1-Refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public, since this is against the Kuwaiti law and is viewed as being intentionally disrespectful to Muslims. Some companies, educational facilities and other establishments will provide designated places in which non-Muslims can eat, drink or smoke during the day in Ramadan.
2-If you receive Muslim visitors, be careful about serving them refreshments during the day. If you discover that they are not fasting for one reason or another, you can invite them to a meal in your company's designated eating area.
3-When invited to break the fast in someone's house, don't eat and leave immediately. Enjoy more than one serving of dessert, coffee or tea, but be alert for the call to the evening prayer (Isha), since your host may wish to end the visit at that time.
4-Women are encouraged to observe more modest clothing during Ramadan as it a month of spiritual renewal and piety. This modest dressing will be appreciated by Muslims.