Fasting and self-control

Dear Editor,

In less than two weeks, we will be celebrating the Aidil Fitri celebrations. As a foreigner working in Brunei, I find the spirit of Ramadhan is keenly felt in this country and not just in the spiritual sense with tarawih prayers reverberating from the mosques at night.

In my office, non-Muslim staff are very respectful and courteous, trying as hard as possible not to drink or eat in the presence of their Muslim colleagues. In fact, they will ask you whether it's okay for them to drink their coffee at their desk before they do so. However, some young Muslim colleagues, who do not fast, are not as respectful. They usually male would announce out loud the fact that they are not fasting and urge their non-Muslim colleagues to have a smoke or drink with them, sometimes making a joke of their non-fasting state; and they do this in the presence of their fasting Muslim colleagues.

At the end of the day, those who do not fast will bear their responsibility toward God. But, there is no reason to be disrespectful. Have a bit of self control, please.

An Observer
Bandar Seri Begawan