FASTING. No, children do not have to fast. So, at this time there is school for elementary ages, but no school yet for junior and senior high. They, and their teachers, are fasting, so they wait until after Ramadan to begin. There are several accepted excuses for not fasting, one of which I mentioned in my previous blog, but it is expected that any days missed will be made up at a later date. For example, required work in situations where it would be dangerous to your health and/or others to not drink...perhaps in extremely hot environment.

Everyone breaks their fast at sunset and that time is announced on TV and by the call to prayer; this year it is about 6:45. Then many people will eat again about 10:00-11:00 and go to bed, then get up to have bread and tea or something about 4 a.m. That schedule/meals varies among households. Maybe that helps explain why Ramadan is not quite so challenging in the winter when the days are short...and very difficult in the summer.