Abu Dhabi: Outdoor workers who were concerned about fasting during this year's soaring summer temperatures have expressed relief at the ruling issued by the authority for Islamic Affairs.
According to the fatwa (ruling), issued by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowment (Awqaf), workers who find that they are physically unable to continue fasting till dusk during Ramadan may end their fast during the day and make up for the missed days afterwards.
"Almighty Allah burdens not a person beyond his capacity," the Awqaf explained. The ruling however urged all workers to start the fast at dawn and only break it if they find it impossible to continue.
A 22-year-old petrol station attendant from Bangladesh who arrived in the capital last year said he was relieved to hear abut the Awqaf ruling.
"I work for eight hours now and in spite of the shade above the station, the heat is unbearable. Even though my working hours will be shortened to six hours in Ramadan, I am not sure I can continue fasting till dusk every single day, although I will definitely try my best," he said.
He told Gulf News that he had been able to fast every day in Ramadan last year.
"This year though, I am very worried about the temperatures. In an eight-hour shift, I drink at least five litres of water.
"So without this fluid intake, it is very possible I might become severely dehydrated and need to end my fast on certain days," he said.
Another 45-year-old worker said he was expecting the hottest Ramadan since his arrival.
"I have been here since 1993 and I don't think we have seen such extreme temperatures since then," said the Pakistani construction worker.
He explained that in Ramadan, most workers like him are asked to start work earlier in the day so as to avoid the afternoon heat and are given a break after midday. They then continue working after iftar.
"But it is still very hot when we work in the mornings. I drink so much water in a day that I cannot keep track of how much I've had. So it will definitely be hard to go without any water or food during Ramadan," he said.
When told about the Awqaf ruling, the worker said it would be of help to many construction workers like him.
"With Allah's help however, I am sure I can manage to fast every day, despite the heat," he said.
His compatriots added that they were looking forward to the fasting month, and said they hoped they would be able to fast till dusk every day.
