"We're closed early - for Ramadhan!"

"Sorry sir, we are closed early for Ramadhan. What is your good name, I will get the officer to return your call tomorrow morning" He was polite and spoke clear good English. He must have been saying the same response to so many callers after the closing time for the office. And when I called it was 2.45pm. Apparently their office close at 2pm - and he is the security man on duty.
Oh well, just a week ago I too issued a circular to announce new working hours during the Month of Ramadhan - "From 9am to 3pm", and it applies to all - Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
From my observation in our office so far, the Muslim ladies tend to leave early using the new timing, but the Males normally stay back longer - at least until after Asar prayer. The Non Muslims vary, perhaps depending on their work load and personal needs. Those who waited to leave late have cited an advantage of a clear road during the iftar time. Good for them.

During the month of Ramadhan it is a requirement by the law for offices to declare shorter working hours for their employees. In UAE, the law does not differentiate between Muslims and Non Muslims, hence everyone has shorter working hours. In Saudi, the law for shorter working hours only applies to Muslims. However, most companies find it hard to discriminate and would extend the flexibility to everyone.

From my outdated experience, this practice of shorter working hours is not common in Malaysia. People in Malaysia works normal hours, and rush back fighting the traffic for Berbuka Puasa. Many working couples resort to Pasar Ramadhan foods - which I must say is something I really miss in Dubai.

Having experienced both, I do prefer the Middle East practice of giving employees the option to leave early. Having the OPTIONS make a great difference. And from experience I have seen employees from most senior to junior managers who come back to the office after Teraweeh to finish off their work. People rarely abuse freedom given to them in good faith.
The freedom to leave early means, more time to prepare home cook meals for the family and more time to beribadah. During the month of Ramadhan, the local Arabs also use the night time to socialize amongst family members. After Teraweeh, they would visit close relatives - a very good practice, in my view.
As for myself, I have been staying on in the office until after Asar prayer. Coming home at around 5pm gives me time to have decent conversations with my children and offer what ever helps needed by LiL in the kitchen. On a day like yesterday when I was tired - I had a short nap. Hehehehe.......another benefit of shorter working hours.

After four days of fasting, we have been invited three times to friends house for Iftar. Murah rezki pulak di bulan Ramadhan tahun ini.....Alhamdullillah!
Yesterday, LiL cooked
-masak lemak udang dengan nenas
-roasted honeyed chicken
-grilled salmon
not bad at all considering we are still living in a service apartment with limited cooking facilities and only an open kitchen - So has to limit to dishes which tak kuat bau!

The holy month of Ramadhan, no matter where we are - God's blessings come in so many ways. Question not 'why'- some Divine callings are beyond us to debate and intellectualize. Surrender......a total surrender. The light will reach the part of your soul you don't even know existed.

"We are closed early - for the holy month of Ramadhan" I begin to appreciate this responce for it make me feel that during this holy month, matters of faith is given higher order priority compared to other worldly matters. It is not for us to say that Ramadhan is like any other months - God has made it special and that is what it will always be.

The opportunities are there for us to cleanse our souls and be closer to God - blessed are those who believe!