Rabat – Ramadan … what a wonderful period of the year! If the holy month means fasting from sunrise until sunset, getting close to God, self cleansing and reflection time, it also means being around (or meeting) people who have special habits, and a unique way of dealing with Ramadan.
From those who get angry or sleep all day to those who count the minutes, here are 15 types of people you have probably met (or will meet) during the holy month.
The sleeping beauties: Sleeping is their religion. Fasting from sunrise until sunset means sleeping from sunrise until sunset for some people. They do not even care what time it is as long as they wake up before the maghreb adan (at sunset).
The time keepers: Counting time is their main occupation. They know exactly what time it is and how many hours are left until the f’tour (the breaking of the fast). They are also the same people who only know the time of the prayers during Ramadan. Don’t even try to ask them about it.
The hungry ones: “I am starving” is a sentence that you will probably hear a hundred times during the day. They smell food everywhere, and they get really moody because of their empty stomach. They have never been happier than after the first bite of food after the fast.
The angry ones: Brace yourselves, “Tremdina” (the irritable faster) is coming. Hating people or things is their mojo during Ramadan as they quickly get mad, sometimes for no reason. The best thing to do is to avoid them at all costs.
The complainers: The weather is too hot; the streets are too crowded; the traffic is awful and people are breathing; this is the typical day of a complainer.
The unhygienic ones : Who said that showering, putting on perfume and brushing teeth is forbidden during the holy month? Some people seem to think so. Once they open their mouths, you will probably pass out.
The sport addicts: Ramadan is a perfect reminder to work out. The gym has never been so full than it is during the holy month as people try to get in shape before summer. But in reality all they do is look at themselves in the mirror and take selfies.
The “religious” ones: These are the ones who will give you lectures during the whole month. Putting makeup on? Haram (forbidden). Wearing a t-shirt? Haram. Listening to music? Also haram. They spend the whole year cursing and practising irreligious behavior, but when it comes to Ramadan, they don’t miss a single prayer.
The addicted ones: Coffee, cigarettes, chocolate, they just can’t seem to control their addictions. It is actually a pretty good excuse for them when they behave questionably. When they break the fast, they will start with their beloved addictions before eating a good meal.
The television watchers: Missing an episode of “Souhlifa”? NEVER! Before, during, and after f’tour, do not even try to fight over the remote-controll; it is a lost cause.
The “I want to lose weight” ones: They have just remembered that summer is just around the corner. Preparing for a summer body is easier during Ramadan according to some people. They think that fasting the whole day and eating the whole night will help them achieve their goals.
The master chefs: They have no need to envy Choumicha. Ramadan is the perfect occasion to try all the recipes that their grandmother has left them. They spend their day cooking to prepare for the best f’tour table: beghrir, briwates, chebakia, harira, etc. Nothing is left out.
The resolution makers: Ramadan is a month of self reflecting, in which we can work on our flaws. The resolution maker has a to do-list of things he wants to work on. Resolutions can be anything from quitting smoking to becoming more helpful.
The “hard” workers: They get up at 7 AM to go to work. They will pretend that they should not have to help set the table because they worked all day, but we all know they have been sleeping at their desks.
The fasting police: They proclaim themselves inspectors of Ramadan, and everyone hates them. They ask each individual around them if they are fasting; they have eyes on everything and will criticize your way of dealing with the holy month.
This feature is part of an exclusive series at Morocco World News for Ramadan. Also in the series is: How Moroccan Pass Their Time during Ramadan.
