Dear Ali: What are the rules for Muslim athletes competing at the Olympics during Ramadan? Surely it must be difficult for them to fast during competitions. KH, Al Ain
Dear KH: Of the approximately 10,500 participating athletes at this year's Olympics about 3,000 are Muslim, and of course it is an additional challenge to participate during Ramadan. The organisers have taken this into consideration so in the canteens and restaurants of the Olympic Park in London, milk and dates are ready for fasting athletes and staff to break the fast, and extended opening hours until midnight to allow them to have their main meal late in the evening.
Even though all mature Muslims, who are physically able to do so are expected to fast, in sura 2:183-187 of the Holy Quran, those who travel during Ramadan are given the choice not to fast during their travel and to make up for the missed days later. And since most of the athletes are de facto travelling to participate in the Games, they are free to decide not to fast during the days of the Olympics, and to fast later.
Some participating Muslims mentioned in interviews that they would be suspending their fasting during the competition and would make up for those days later. The football team of the UAE discussed this issue ahead of the games and was advised by imams that from a religious point it is permitted for the players to refrain from fasting and that they can make up for the missed out fasting days later.
Dear Ali: I have recently submitted an image of a shoe with the underside of the sole shown upwards and the tread in the shape of the city. This has caused offence. I am aware of the cultural importance of not placing text on the ground but can you please elaborate on the precise cultural reasoning. LA, Abu Dhabi
Dear LA: The tricky issue here is the sole of a shoe. The feet are the lowest part of a human's body and this physical place leads also to a kind of symbolic meaning. The sole of the shoe is positioned even lower and touches the ground, that most often is dirty. Call us dramatic, but most Arabs and Muslims are quite sensitive when it comes to shoes - we remove them before entering a mosque and out of respect before entering a residence. Even though it is not a religious commandment, Muslims pray without shoes on, unless there is a reason for wearing them. To turn the sole of the bare feet or the sole of the shoe toward a person is considered an insult and could be verbally translated to "you are lower than the dirt under my feet", implying humiliation, which of course is not appreciated.
Of course, most of us are aware that the sole of a shoe can be in other cultures quite the opposite of an insult - like the red sole of a Louboutin shoe - but in our culture it still bears this negative symbolism. See it like the middle finger: nothing is wrong with middle fingers. Nevertheless, an image of a straight middle finger would be received in most cultures with an underlying offensive message.
Dear Ali: I am a western expat and not Muslim, but what can I do, apart from fasting, to observe and celebrate Ramadan? PO, Dubai
Dear PO: Ramadan is a perfect time to experience more of the regional culture, and at no other time of the year will you find more themed events and public gatherings. Additionally, you will find in most hotels a Ramadan hospitality tent, where iftar is served and you have the chance to sample some of the special dishes we usually serve just during Ramadan.
