VHG - //We should not be encouraging Ramadan in this country. //
I don't think it needs to be 'encouraged' - it is only partaken by Muslims, and it is part of their faith, which they accept.
//Encouraging people to not drink or eat between sunrise and sunset is unhealthy and plain stupid. //
Why? Plenty of people can go without food during that time with no ill effects, and there are exemptions for those for whom it is considered not suitable.
//It could be considered a form of cruelty and should be banned//
It could - but it's not, and banning religious practices simply because you don't happen to agree with them is somewhat intolerant.
Bit of a sweeping statement there - not sure if it is aimed at me personally - ?
I think it is valid to allow consideration for fasting in Ramadan, because it can affect the ability of some students to perform at their best in exams. I don't think people should be disadvantaged because of their religious practices.
I would far prefer that these young students had some leeway during the Ramadan time when it coincides with important exams, but as an alternative moving the exams a little earlier is a fair compromise .
I'm not sure why exam times need to be altered to cater for different religions.
In the case for Muslims observing Ramadan then they should get up to date with the real world and current needs. Muslims should 'allow' an exception for fasting for those on the days of exams. They already allow some exceptions.
"One recent estimate suggested that British Muslims give over £100 million to international aid charities alone during Ramadan." The operative word here is 'suggested', which could mean either they do or don't. Too obscure to be meaningful.
Christians like many other religions do support charities in large amounts and not just at Christmas.
No, I don't think exams should be moved to accommodate Ramadan; the Muslim parents should seek exemption for their children from Ramadan fasting rules to accommodate the exams.
They, the Muslims, have for whatever reason moved to the UK, maybe a few generations back now for a lot of them, and then they expect us to change things to suit their way of life when most of them show little intent to integrate with us.
And what happens?
We are mug enough to do it, no meeting halfway where possible we just give in to them and they are more than happy to accept that.