Ramadan - FAQS

What is Ramadan?

        Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the orbiting of the moon (lunar calendar), rather than the orbiting of the earth (solar calendar). It was in the month of Ramadan in which the Quran (Holy Book for Muslims) was first revealed.

What is Fasting?

        Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relations. Also, it involves abstaining from evil intentions and desires.

The length of the Fasting?

       From dawn to sunset, every day of the month of Ramadan.

Who should observe the Fast?

      Fasting is obligatory upon every Muslim male and female who has reached the age of puberty.

Ramadan DON'Ts

• Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public during the hours of sunrise to sunset. This includes while you are driving as well as public places such as malls, cinemas or offices. – this is a strict rule and is enforced throughout the country, and people seen eating, drinking or smoking could receive a large fine and even be deported.
• Don’t wear revealing or tight fitting clothes in public.This includes when you are heading for a night out. – ensure that your attire is lowing and that it covers more of you. Modesty is key for men and women during this time.
• Don’t play loud music in your car or even at home – Ramadan is a time of reflection and playing loud music is seen as a sign of disrespect. 
• Don't dance or sing in public at any time, day or night. Nightclubs and live music venues are closed during this time and only very soft background music is played in restaurants.
• Don’t swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times, but during the Holy Month of Ramadan it’s particularly offensive.
• Don't display affection in public.

Ramadan DOs

•  Do say “Ramadan Kareem” to your Muslim friends and colleagues.
• Do smoke, drink and eat in the privacy of your home, hotel room or office. If you work in a shared or open plan office simply designate a room where the door can be closed. The point here is to be respectful to those colleagues that are fasting.
• Do be aware that office hours will change which will in turn affect traffic patterns. Peak traffic will occur earlier than normal, 7am – 9am and 1pm – 3pm. An additional rush hour occurs at 8pm – midnight.
• Do avoid driving close to sunset. It can be hazardous during this time as the roads fill with people rushing to break the fast at Iftar celebrations. Remember many drivers will not have had anything to eat or drink all day so exercise caution.
• Do dress conservatively. Avoid going to public places like shopping centers and parks wearing shorts, mini-skirts or sleeveless outfits. This law is applicable all year round, but during Ramadan sensitivities are heightened.
• Do make reservations for dinner. Most of the cities shopping malls and public places will become hives of activity after sunset lasting until late at night. This also means that restaurants and hotels will be crowded so if you plan to eat out book ahead.
• Do give to the poor and help the needy. Ramadan is renown for its charitable nature. You don’t have to spend the earth – small gestures go a long way.
• Do make the most of the community spirit and sumptuous food to be found in the Iftar tents at the city’s hotels. It’s a great opportunity to relax, play games and experience some traditional Arabic cuisine and entertainment.

Tips for non-fasters

• There are restaurants and cafes that have a special licence open during the day for non- fasters and these will be screened off from public view so it is still possible to eat outside your hotel room or home. Most hotels have an outlet open during the day too.
• If you work most offices will implement an area for eating and drinking - don’t have coffee or water at your desk as it may disturb your colleagues.
• If you are pregnant you are exempt from fasting but it is polite to still be discreet. Same with children - they do not have to fast too but it is always best to be discreet.
• Your car is classed as a public place so definitely no smoking, eating or drinking in there.
• Try and be patient with people who are fasting - it is tough and it is hot here. Ramadan is a time of peace and you should not shout or show anger.
• The roads do tend to become a little faster than normal just before Iftar time as people are rushing home to break their fast - take care or avoid driving at this time.
• If you find yourself in a taxi during Iftar be patient while the driver stops and takes a drink and breaks his fast. It is easy to forget that the driver has been in his hot taxi all day without food and drink.

How is Ramadan celebrated?

          A feast called Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of thanks giving and happiness celebrates the end of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims offer special prayers in congregation and thank Allah for His blessings and mercy.