I am muslim and I am quite shock by what the Scottish spokesman said.
I don't see why non muslims should be affected by Ramadan;

We are living in a non muslim country that is Tolerant.

With this kind of statement, no wonder people don't like muslims.

happy ramadan to all muslims

laetitia, london,

I'm British and to be honest with you I'm not surprised by the comments made above.

John from Blackpool
"We are a free and democratic country."

We really aren't free and democaratic and if Brits followed Muslims in Ramadan - perhaps they would understand the poor and being selfless.

Nadia, London,

Wow... How low will you guys stoop? This United Kingdomistan is a shame to look at.. I seriously can't believe this.

God save Europe.

Sam, San Francisco,

We are a free and democratic country who have fought for the right to go about our lawful business without religious and political hindrance. So why are we now being asked to change this to accommodate other cultures ?

If people don't like our laws and system of doing things in this country, they should move to another one that accommodates their particular beliefs and way of life, and not expect us to change.

There's an old saying:- "When in Rome do as the Romans do". In other words, if you were born in or have decided to live in Britain, DO AS THE BRITISH DO.

John Shorten, Blackpool, England

I really wish Britain (and other civilised countries) would stop giving in to these people. If they don't like me eating, then they can just go to another room and pray until they feel it's right to step out.

Charles, Pasadena, United States, California

I have read so many posts on the internet over the past year from individuals who now see themselves qualified to quote Islamic texts but have never even read the Quran or any Islamic books probably do not know any Muslim people well enough not to cast a stereotype, and then go on to propagate the racist propaganda they have heard from unreliable and irresponsible sources. If people actually accommodated and accepted one another’s differences and beliefs - and that goes for all religions including Muslims - then the world would be a more peaceful place. But then that’s far too easy isn’t it! Rather than adding to this spin why not try to find something positive to say than continue to increase racial hatred! It is repulsive behaviour and should not belong in British society!!

VV, London,

I am a recent revert to Islam and this will be my 1st ramadan. I just want to say that most muslims do not expect other people to not eat in front of them while they are fasting and if they do then thats something they should work on as ramadan is not just about not eating during certain hours, its a way of us to improve ourselves and for us to learn to have patience and realise the importance of the things we take for granted (such as food), So by hiding all the food from our eyes is not really going to benefit us in the long run!! Ramadan Mubarak to everyone!!

Aamilah Ibrahim, Chelmsford, Essex

I am a converted Muslim (from christianity) and I fast on the holy month of ramadan. People fast of their own free will and although hungry should be strong enough to refrain from eating upon seeing someone else doing the same. Saying that, most people who know I am fasting are uncomfortable in eating infront of me, although it really doesn't bother me in the slightest. I agree that fasting muslims should be allowed a break to break their fast. I think all individuals should be considered in a workplace regardless of race religion or sect. The Scottish NHS were trying to do their part to ENCOURAGE people to be considerate in a workplace, but din't consider the narrow minded people (like Nigel) who would take this as an excuse to say that non muslims were being discriminated against. IF you don't want to change your ways then don't simple as! Really it is nothing to complain about!! Peace to all. And Ramadan mubarak to ALL xx

Anita Sarah, Cambridge, UK

This is so sick!

Mal, Krefeld, Germany

English X Christian now Muslim eat all you like in front of me I have no problem, I choose to be Hungry for the love of God. But lets not bring up all the old propaganda Islam did this the Christians do that. No religion is responsible for what people do or say in its name. More damage is caused by do gooders, eat don't eat its of no matter. Ramadan Mubarrak to you all. English born Police Sergeant.

Colin Heaton, Oldham, Lancashire

If anyone told me not to eat in front of any religious group I would ignore them. This is pure discrimination against non-muslims and I, for one, am getting sick and tired of being told to change my ways just to suit them. Enough is enough. Bring on the bacon sandwiches

Nigel, Norwich,

"5) The Taleban!" ~ Andrew Brown, Derby, UK

Finally, The US does not consider 'Taliban' as terrorists. Look it up on the whitehouse website : ( http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/crt/c17689.htm ). I do agree that some of them do have a backwards mentality, but that is why some M.Eastern countries are backing US/UK in the Afghan war. This shouldnt effect you.

Mohammed, London, UK

"3) Indiscriminate violence against civillians in the NAME of Islam. The appalling attrocities committed in Iraq..." ~ Andrew Brown, Derby, UK

These type of insurgent attacks in Iraq are mainly due to lack of security by US/UK forces (Iraq is a lawless country), Did you ever read about such attacks in Iraq before the war? Iraqi insurgents are also attacking 'specific' groups of civilians, who have chosen to support their invaders and sell their country to western powers. The internal fighting between different sects are entirely related to controlling the 'oil' regions. This has nothing to with Islam.

"4) The attitude of Islam towards women."

Islamic system has achieved the right mixture of freedom and security that women seek and that is in the interest of the society as a whole. In 3 Muslim countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia women were ELECTED President of their countries. Even thousands of western women are now converting to Islam (search google)

Mohammed, London, UK

Fasting is an individual worshipping therefore its not right to demand others to do something about it. Yet its about training soul, I mean being able to do something and not doing.
If the others around do something for showing respect to fasting ones, that would be something to appreciate. But expecting such is not true.

Levent, Kutahya, Turkey

This latest endeavor to win hearts and minds again proves that people who are in charge of this campaign don't understand the underlying causes for discontentment among Muslims in UK. This definitely does not address the major rifts among communities in the UK and on the contrary might incur scoff and ridicule from Muslims themselves for being paltry, petty about an issue which is not an ISSUE!

Pathak, Glasgow,

Toleration must be a two way process. I will be happier about tolerating the practices of religious minorities when the Saudis anbd other Muslim countries tolerate female visitors who dress as they would in their own countries.

G Dubourg, rainworth, notts

Andrew Brown, Derby, UK,

1) "The lack of religious freedom" - 25,000 Jews live in Iran, Christians living are 4% of Saudi Arabia, 1.4 Millioni in Lebanon, 90,000 in Gaza, 5.8 Million in Egypt, 1.7million Syria, 220,000 Jordan, 1 million Iraq, 400,000 in Iran, 260,000 Kuwait, 70,000 Bahrain, 88,000 Oman, 316,000 UAE, 38,000 Yemin...etc etc...Furthermore millions are working ~ source BBC. (not lack of religious freedom, but lack of education)

The one off 'death penalty', incident which was widely reported in Afghanistan, has nothing to do with Islam and everything to do with their 'triblism/traditional' backward laws. All other Muslims countries do not have these non-Islamic 'laws'. You'd not find an example in other Muslim countries.

"Let there be no compulsion in religion:Truth stands out clear from error" [Al-Qur'an 2:256]

2) Part of the answer can be found above. The majority of 'systematic persecution' is nothing but fight for power, territory...

Mohammed, London, UK

Oh god no, we can't have people showing a little consideration and cultural awareness to others in society! Heck, if they do this who knows what may happen, Muslims may take over the world or something!

Ryan, Edinburgh, Scotland

Why do we have this relentless exagerated political correctness towards Islam? Aren't all religions equal and respected in the UK? With the semi-educated and lacking in culture in charge of the public services of this country, what do we expect? Enough already! As Marcus Brigstock said, "Could the rest of us who aren't religious extremists just have our planet back?"; and meanwhile get on with our lives, please?

Jillita, Lewisham, UK

those whom islam seeks to destroy it first makes mad,a slight paraphrase but sums up the way the Uk or its government seems determined to allow islam to rule.One more reason to leave before we are taken over completely.Predictably no comment from the so called "moderate" muslims

bradfordlad, bradford,

Mohammed... do you seriously have NO IDEA why many people in the West have a negative view of Islam? I might suggest the following:

1) The lack of religious freedom in Islamic countires, including the death penalty for converting from Islam to another faith.
2) The systematic persecution on non-Mulsim minorities in much of the Islamic world. Look at the plight of Christians in Pakistan, northern Nigeria, Iraq, parts of Indonesia, Iran and Egypt for starters. This persecution is based on the clear teaching of the Koran on the second class status of non-Muslims. Why should we think you view non-Muslims in the UK any differently?
3) Indiscriminate violence against civillians in the NAME of Islam. The appalling attrocities committed in Iraq are a constant reminder that for the hard line Sunnis, even other Muslims are a fair target since they have departed from the true faith.
4) The attitude of Islam towards women.
5) The Taleban!
etc etc.

Andrew Brown, Derby, UK

Oh for heaven's sake, I never eat between getting up in the morning and an evening meal EVERY DAY. Do I get upset to see people eating in front of me. Absolutely not. Stop giving in to these people. If they don't like it , let them go to a country that does.

Faster, London,

Oh Andrew Ilike you !! your comments are spot on .

I sincerely hope the canny Scots have much more sense than to listen to the rubbish they are being pushed towards, its an instruction too far & one to, BE IGNORED .

Maggie Millington, Brittany , France

How stupid can the PC lot get. I am not a muslim, I do not know when ramadam is and I do not care to know. I will eat when I choose and if the ramadamites do not like it they could show some consideration and move.

roger sykes, christchurch, new zealand

I lived in Bahrain for a long time and my Muslim friends always said they put on weight during Ramadan because they were so hungry by sunset that they would gorge themselves. Because people stayed up til the early hours and were overtired during the day, the driving deteriorated from being dreadful to being downright dangerous. Another unpleasant aspect was that a lot of people would not even shower or clean their teeth in the mornings in case they accidentally ingested some water - resulting in BO and rank breath. Mmmm, lovely!

Alison, Portskerrra, UK

I'm sick of all this appeasement of muslim sensitivities. If their version of the religious fairy tale tells them to starve in the day then that is their business but no way should other people be expected not to appease their hunger infront of them. What time do alot of these doctors working in the NHS have to take a non-working lunch! Are patients going to be expected not to eat infront of muslim doctors? Are bacon sandwiches going to be banned infront of muslims? I am an atheist and hold no sympathies for any religion but muslims seem to be treated with a unique degree of sycophantic sympathy and supineness. The overpaid bureaucrats in the Scottish NHS / Executive should be concentrating on more important things such as MRSA in their filthy wards. If I was a doctor or teacher etc in Scotland I would be devouring my bacon sandwiches all day long in sheer defiance of this ridiculous edict!

S P, Swansea UK, UK

Time for a BNP government.

proud to be British, nottingham,

Pathetic. I'd be a lot more worried about a surgeon who hasn't eaten for 16 hours!

Dan, London, UK

"Appeasement does not make people more religious, only less tolerant. as we have seen". ~ Dr. Irene Lancaster, Haifa, Israel

And carpet bombing Lebanon does ?

"Israel dropped 3.5 million cluster bombs during the 72 hours" ~ bbc

Stanzler, NY, USA

Mohammad, you really should find another word for those of us who don't go along with all your Muslim ways.
Don't you think it's good to have criticism to reassess your values ?

Muslims never stop telling us [ nonMuslims ] how bad we are, what's your name for that Anglophobia ???
Funny how I never see the Brits complaining about criticism from that quarter.

Maggie Millington, Brittany , France

Refrain from eating before Moslems? Are you people crazy?

Albert, Laguna Beach, USA

"This is not an irrational fear based on some hatred for Muslims (a phobia) but rather an educated viewpoint based on the evidence of what Islam is like". ~ Andrew Brown, Derby, UK

Right...can you please provide the so called 'evidence', and the source of your 'evidence' would also be appreciated.

Chairman of bnp (Nick Griffin) who is university educated has also expressed his 'educated viewpoints'.

Mohammed, London, UK

Is this an April 1st prank or is the Scottish NHS all on drugs. This is one way to create a great divide between different cultures.

i. morrison, oslo, norway

Mohammed in London...

Yes, many people in the UK have a problem with Islam because they look at the fruits of its philosophy and do not like what they see. This is not an irrational fear based on some hatred for Muslims (a phobia) but rather an educated viewpoint based on the evidence of what Islam is like. To call it Islamophobia is simply to attempt to avoid looking at the issues involved.

Andrew Brown, Derby, UK

As a Muslim in the health service who also works during Ramdhan, I do at times go to working lunches. People eating around me makes no difference to my fast because I am fasting for the sake of God not for the sake of people. I would say though that in areas with large concentrations of Muslims, it helpful for non muslim staff to be aware that during ramadhan, their patients and other collegues will not be eating or drinking so that they dont feel upset or embarassed if food/drink is offered and refused.

Sarah , London, UK

This is appeasement, pure, simple, amd utterly cowardly.

I urge all Scottish NHS employees to make sure that they bring lunch to work, and that it should preferably contain pork/bacon etc ...
If allowed to consume dilute alchohol (they may not be) they should do that as well.

In the meantime, why are their unions not protesting at this disgraceful piece of dhimmitude?

G. Tingey, London,

Welcome to the twenty-first century; I am curious wether there will still be a christian or judan soul around in Europe when another hundred years have passed. Odds seem to be that Islam, and only Islam, will be ruling the world by then.

We seem to have surrendered our infidel children and grandchildren to muslim rule.

Martijn Michiels, Sittard, Netherlands

These recommendations are perverse. Surely, observing non-believers eating during daylight hours would enhance the true believers sense of sacrifice and self-denial, thus augmenting the whole ramadan experience. Unless, of course, non-believers are eating haggis, which should not be consumed in front of anybody.

James , Canberra, Australia.

This is hilarious! Here in Malaysia, the Chinese and Indian Malaysians cheerfully tuck into their food in front of their Malay (Muslim) counterparts during Ramadan and the Malays (a gracious and courteous people anyway) don't seem to mind.

Cass Watson, Malaysia,

I am Jewish and have never even thought of asking colleagues to refrain from eating ham in front of me, or abstaining from eating and drinking altogether, even in my own home, on Jewish fast days.

This is an absolute disgrace and yet more evidence of appeasement towards Islam.

It will all end in tears, with Muslims being demonised, which is not what we want, is it?

When I taught in the Greater Manchester area I was a bit put out to see prayer rooms built specially for Muslim children to the exclusion of all others, including the Christian majority. As a result of this, In one school, the staff room had become a disused toilet.

And were the Muslim children grateful for this beneficence? Certainly not: they cussed and swore, just like all the other children.

Appeasement does not make people more religious, only less tolerant. as we have seen.

By the way, is this type of kowtowing emulated in any Muslim or Arab countries? Only asking!

Dr. Irene Lancaster, Haifa, Israel

The purpose of fasting is thinking about the poor and sharing and caring for others. That is the problem what people dont understand YOU LIVE YOUR NORMAL LIFE. It does not matter what other people do it is to sacrifice your desires.

Yusuf, Leeds, UK

You don’t get that many Muslims living in southern latitudes where fasting during the hours of daylight in October /November would be a real trial compared with our short daylight period in these months. When I was a Civil Servant, religion and politics were not proper subjects for the staff to even discuss during work time much less have a Department fund bodies and organizations to actively promote them. I understand that government departments have Islamic advisors and staff of all faiths are given time off work to attend brainwashing ceremonies and festivals for Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. They should be at their desks. There are no Methodist, Baptists nor Catholic or C of E resources on tap. There are within Departmental web-sites dozens of pages giving background and history of ‘foreign’ religions.

There is no place for religion or politics in the public sector workplace-Islam is both, and British taxpayers are funding the promotion of religion and politics.
When will it ever be our turn to be offended or demand that Muslims change their way of life to accommodate their host country?

T Hughes, Birminham,

And will Moslems refrain from eating anything other than fish in front of Catholics on Fridays? I don't think so. What a barmy world these civil servants live in - no wonder Muslim terrorists think they are going to change Britain - their strategy is already working. Tut, I've already failed Gordon Brown's test by mentioning Muslim and terrorist in the same sentence. Does Saudi Arabia attempt to accommodate Christians?

Tony G, Harrogate, UK

Usual claptrap nonsense: Moslems gorge themselves at sunset which makes a mockery of the concept of fasting and, anyhow, as it says in the New Testament, only hypocrites make a show of supposedly fasting. People should ignore this phony 'tolerance' and stop acquiescing to Moslem demands for acceptance of their cult's conduct. BTW, are you aware that it says in the Koran that, after the month of Ramadan, the Moslems are supposed to slay the infidels? Gives a whole new light to all that fasting, doesn't it? And as for 'alms giving,' Muhammad specified that alms should only be given to other Moslems! The more one studies Islam, the more you realise it is a million light years away from Judaeo-Christian beliefs and behaviour.

bookworm, london,

Here we go again!

waiting for the Islamophobic stampede...

Mohammed, London, UK

Oh really how silly.
What next ban all food ads on television during daylight hours.?

If it was a true fast I could understand, Ramadam is far from that.
They can gorge themselves with whatever they want all night long, it's like a party every night.
For those that don't work it's even better , just sleep the day away .

Maggie Millington, Brittany , France

Shouldn't Muslims be grateful to the Infidel for eating during Ramadamn thereby providing Allar with obvious evidence of their piety and devotion?

Melina, Cambridge, UK

So we can't wear crosses or veils, but we have to make allowance for 'ramadan'?

Ian , London,

Cultural sensitivity is a joke. So the powers that be in Scotland have issued an edict which prevents non-Muslims from eating in front of Muslims during Ramadan.
Tell me somebody do all Islamic curry houses close down for that period too?
Will all Muslim shop keepers now stop selling food as well?
It the Muslims were as righteous as they claim to be then they would. But when was the last time you saw a curry house or a corner shop closed on a night?

pounce, London, Middlesex

I would agree with Mary Scanlon... this is another example of political correctness gone mad! Where will it stop? This is the UK not Saudi Arabia! If I went to live in another country I would NOT expect them to alter their culture and practices to suit my particular whims.

In addition... Muslims don't FAST during Ramadan - they eat at a different time of the day!

Andrew Brown, derby, UK