The Red Bulls

Our Iraqi neighbors are gearing up for one their most sacred holidays, Ramadan.  Ramadan is a Muslim holiday and is observed by Muslims worldwide.  This year Ramadan will begin  August 22 and run through  September 19.  In Iraq, a nation where the vast majority of citizens are Muslims, this holiday will have a pronounced effect on day to day activities for all Iraqis.

As guests of the Iraqis, the activities of the month of Ramadan will have an impact on us. Consequently, we have the opportunity to deepen our partnership with our Iraqi allies and neighbors by respecting their religious traditions and being sensitive to customs during the month of Ramadan.

There are Iraqis working on almost every installation in Multi-National Division - South. Consequently, each of us will have the opportunity to wish an Iraqi “blessed Ramadan” and respect their observance of the holiday. The opposite is true as well. Each of us has the opportunity to be offensive, disrespectful and callous towards our Iraqi neighbors. The choice is ours and I am hopeful that each of us will treat our neighbor the way we would like to be treated.
I believe, with a little bit of knowledge we can be respectful and deepen our ties to our neighbors.

The first thing we need to know is that Ramadan is a time of fasting. Healthy Muslims will fast from sunup to sundown. They will abstain from food and water in order to focus more intently on their relationship with Allah and to purify themselves spiritually. Ramadan is a time to draw nearer to Allah and to refocus one’s life on submission to the will of Allah.

As we work with Iraqis during Ramadan, we need to be aware that they may be fasting. This may affect their energy level, attendance at work and ability to withstand the heat.  If we are planning to eat or drink in front of our Iraqi friends, we need to reconsider doing so in their presence, out of respect for their situation.

The second thing we need to know is that Ramadan is a celebration and a time for family and friends. The evenings in Ramadan are a time for our Muslim neighbors to break the fast, celebrate meals with family and friends while socializing. Many Iraqis will be up and out late at night, enjoying fellowship with friends of families.

As we drive in convoys at night around MND-S, we will need to be aware of increased nighttime traffic due to Ramadan and be both alert and respectful on the roads.
Finally, we need to know that Ramadan is a time when Muslims celebrate the Prophet Mohammed’s reception of the revelation of the Koran from the Angel Gabriel. It is a joyous, sacred and awe-inspiring holiday.

As we meet our Iraqi partners and friends we need to be respectful of their beliefs and courteous in our conversations about their holiday. We are Americans. We value religious freedom, diversity and tolerance. Let’s bring the best of our values to Iraq during Ramadan. Wish your Iraqi neighbor a blessed Ramadan. The Golden Rule is still a great guide for each of us. This Ramadan: Treat our Iraqi neighbor the way you would want them to treat you.