Fasting

[lindsay ormerod]

Ok, a difficult and delicate subject, some of my Muslim colleagues are fasting for Ramadan, I know full well that I couldn't do it, it involves such long hours without food or drink that I know my concentration and performance would suffer. If I were a doctor or a surgeon I would have serious misgivings about my ability to function properly, how does everyone else feel about this emotive subject? Should our Muslim colleagues have the fasting period off or should we expect them to still function on what is basically a starvation diet with sleep deprivation thrown in?

[Neil]

I suppose it depends on the individual. Who ever is managing people in that situation will have to decide if they are fit to work, if not then they should be sent home sick like anyone else would be.

WOuld you want to be in a fasting persons taxi or coach though?

[WillowTheWhisp]

Oddly enough I find I tend to function better when fasting and far worse if I've had a large meal when I just become sleepy and want a nap.

[Lilly]

Originally Posted by Neil

I suppose it depends on the individual. Who ever is managing people in that situation will have to decide if they are fit to work, if not then they should be sent home sick like anyone else would be.

WOuld you want to be in a fasting persons taxi or coach though?

I wouldn't feel confident having an operation done by a fasting surgeon.

[MargaretR]

Originally Posted by Neil

I suppose it depends on the individual. Who ever is managing people in that situation will have to decide if they are fit to work, if not then they should be sent home sick like anyone else would be.

WOuld you want to be in a fasting persons taxi or coach though?

But it is self inflicted 'sickness' - I would make them use their holiday allowance or no pay!

[WillowTheWhisp]

Originally Posted by Lilly

I wouldn't feel confident having an operation done by a fasting surgeon.

I wonder how many non-fasting surgeons actually go for long periods of time without a meal due to being in theatre or otherwise engaged?

[West Ender]

Fasting is, whatever the religious implications, a personal choice. If you choose to live in a non-Islamic country and you wish to adhere to strict Islamic practise you should do so without it affecting your work or your colleagues. There should be no special treatment for those Muslims who fast; there is none for any other sect.

[Lilly]

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

I wonder how many non-fasting surgeons actually go for long periods of time without a meal due to being in theatre or otherwise engaged?

I wouldn't have thought that non fasting surgeons will go from dawn to dusk without a bite to eat or even a drink of water.

[cherokee]

Originally Posted by West Ender

Fasting is, whatever the religious implications, a personal choice. If you choose to live in a non-Islamic country and you wish to adhere to strict Islamic practise you should do so without it affecting your work or your colleagues. There should be no special treatment for those Muslims who fast; there is none for any other sect.

Seconded Karma sent.

[keetah992000]

it is only during daylight hours- I know some muslims who have a hearty breakfast before sunrise and, after all, how many of us on here have realized, come two or three o clock in the afternoon that we havent eaten yet because we have been so busy - not much difference really.

[Benipete]

Originally Posted by MargaretR

But it is self inflicted 'sickness' - I would make them use their holiday allowance or no pay!

I agree,I fast all year round - only have one meal a day.At night.