Tomorrow, Wednesday the 11th, will be the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan (or depending on the sighting of the moon tonight; it could start on Thursday).

For the entire month, Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, which means they do not eat or drink anything, including water, between sunrise and sunset.

We, working in the Mideast countries, must observe utmost respect for the Muslim and Ramadan. In practice, and by law, we too are forbidden to eat, drink and smoke (or even chew gum) in public places between sunrise and sunset.

The Kuwaiti authorities have warned the public and have imposed a fine of KD100 (equivalent to $347 or around SAR1,300 or around PHP15k) with a month-long imprisonment to offenders. (KD100 is a month's salary of some Filipinos here in Kuwait).

Ramadan falling in August is extra-difficult because the day is longer than the night. Thus, fasting could be as early as three in the morning and could break around seven-ish in the afternoon.

Add to that is the sweltering temperature which, in Kuwait, averages around 48OF.

The Kuwait authorities, taking into consideration the above factors, expressed their leniency to those working outside air-conditioned facilities (those in construction and offshore). Those who are ill are also not imposed upon to fast for health reasons.