Workers who toil under the sun and not those who enjoy air-conditioned offices should have their hours reduced during Ramadan, said Dr Ahmad Al Kubaisi, a prominent scholar.

“The religion is easy and simply perfect. Why make things hard? The Quran reads: {Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship} (2:185),” Dr Al Kubaisi said.

He said reducing work hours during Ramadan is a gesture by the GCC member countries. He said in Islam work is considered an act of worship, but Islam is easy to follow and rather encourages us to create ease in religion.

He advised that Muslims should eat well, sleep well and approach religion in a gentle manner.

“Unfortunately some Muslims are under the misconception that the more stringent they are in following religion, the more pious they become. This totally contradicts what our religion teaches us.”

Dr Al Kubaisi said the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) always resisted any tendency towards religious excessiveness.