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Original poster

Muslim tradesman - Ramadan

30 replies

NattyFish · 15/03/2025 20:46

We have a young chap doing some external work to our house. When he arrived we offered him a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits but he's fasting for Ramadan! He worked so hard from 8am to 6pm and didn't even have a drink of water. I felt very guilty. We ended up giving him a packet of biscuits to take home and eat when he could.

Is there another way to show hospitality to him without offering food and drink? I can't help but feel guilty watching him work, even though I know what he's doing is important for him.

OP posts:

SonK · 15/03/2025 22:27

ScarlettOYara · 15/03/2025 22:25

Ramadan Mubarak!

Show quote history

Thank you : D

FabuIous · 15/03/2025 22:29

Isn’t it six pm the fast can be broken? I’d check for your area, and if he is still there then offer a drink and a biscuit then.

SonK · 15/03/2025 22:29

SherlockHomies · 15/03/2025 22:26

This reminds me of my lovely Irish aunt years ago.

She had some Muslim men doing some work in her garden and it was a very hot Summer and they were fasting.

Like a lot of older Irish women of her time she was a proper 'feeder' and couldn't stand the thought of them not eating or drinking.

After the 5th time she offered them drinks and ice lollies which they kept refusing, I said "Auntie please stop badgering them, they CAN'T HAVE THEM!"

She turned to them and with genuine love said, "Ok well I've left a couple of bottles of water down the side of the shed where no-one will see you taking a sip".

One of the lads whispered in my ear, "Your Auntie is right, Allah can't see down the side of that shed, the gap's too narrow" 🤣🤣

Lol your auntie sounds awfully cute x

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IncessantNameChanger · 15/03/2025 22:35

My Muslim friend who is now in his 70's always met up with me. In a restaurant or pub during Ramadan. I would feel bad Stuffing my face while he sat with his untouched pint of water. He told me that he had permission from him Iman to stop fasting when had a heartattack at 65 but he still fasts. It's admirable. He doesn't feel he is ready to stop fasting. When he does decide to drink a tiny bit or eat a tiny bit at 90 odd he knows he truly has permission after doing his thing. Us non Muslims can think "I'd be drinking that pint of water, your 65 mate, you'll have another heart attack!" But you don't say it. I have massive respect. We discuss his choices not to drink the water. I learn a bit more. My respect for my friend goes up. I couldn't do it. Which I guess is the entire point.

Thegreyestate · 15/03/2025 22:52

Livelovebehappy · 15/03/2025 21:27

His choice. He’s a tradesman doing a job/providing a service. He’s not your friend, you’re not his. Don’t over invest yourself and just let him get on with his job, say thank you, pay him, goodbye……

This. I don't know why but this is making me cringe so hard! He's a tradesman, not your friend, and doing something by choice. He's not a child you need to mother or fuss over.

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