Ramadan, no other choice in Saudi Arabia

[DrLeftover]

26 June
Saudi Arabia has threatened to deport any non-Muslim foreigners who don't respect the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan by eating, drinking or smoking in public.

An interior ministry statement on the official SPA state news agency urges non-Muslim expatriates in the kingdom to "respect the sentiments of Muslims by not eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan's daylight hours in public places, including roads and workplaces."

Those who violate the regulations will be deported or sacked, according to the statement.

"They are not excused for being non-Muslim," it said, adding that "anyone living in this country should follow the laws of the Kingdom, including respecting religious sentiments".

The statement also asked companies to transmit the instructions to their employees.

Millions of Muslims from around the globe are preparing to observe Ramadan, the religious month of fasting.

For 30 days, they will not eat or drink from sunrise and sundown and refrain from sexual intercourse, smoking or profanity in a bid to become closer to Allah.

They are also encouraged to give back to the community and take part in charitable deeds.

Saudi Arabia applies a strict version of sharia law and it hosts more than nine million foreigners.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ramadan-2014-dont-eat-drink-smoke-you-can-be-deported-says-saudi-arabia-non-muslims-1454330


Of course, anyone who goes to work in the Kingdom knows what they're getting into and how to lay low for a month.

If they don't, they soon will.

 

[CommanderMadi]

I lived in Saudi Arabia for 18 years and I can confirm that this is true but only in two cities which are Makkah and Madinah. Other cities like Riyadh is exempt from such rules.

 

[DrLeftover]

I think the Kingdom is also looking with one eye at Islamic Fundamentalists elsewhere in the Middle East and know they are sitting on a powder keg absolutely full of their own.

 

[CommanderMadi]

Fyi, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia although it claims its the main destination for Muslims its one of the greatest undercover enemies of Islam. They misuse islamic principles to acheive their own interests, and "they" here refers to the corrupt king and his family (who are around 5000) each one of those 5000 is a multi billionaire and lives the lap of luxury in a way you won't imagine. They are also immune from any jurisdiction which is a clear contradiction with one of Islam most important fundementals which is (No one is above jurisdiction no matter what his position or power is)

 

[DrLeftover]

Fyi, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia although it claims its the main destination for Muslims its one of the greatest undercover enemies of Islam. They misuse islamic principles to acheive their own interests, and "they" here refers to the corrupt king and his family (who are around 5000) each one of those 5000 is a multi billionaire and lives the lap of luxury in a way you won't imagine. They are also immune from any jurisdiction which is a clear contradiction with one of Islam most important fundementals which is (No one is above jurisdiction no matter what his position or power is)

I agree with you.

But at the same time, that king and his Mutwaheen enforcers are going to use everything in their power, including force, coercion, and even outright bribery, to stay in power.

And that also means cutting a 'grass roots uprising' off before it can start.