The first day of Ramadan 2019 was officially announced as May 6th by Dubai Media Office, after the Ramadan crescent moon was sighted on Sunday 5th May.
If you are planning on visiting a Muslim country during the next month, or have Muslim friends, or colleagues, who observe Ramadan, it is helpful to know what Ramadan actually means, how it is followed, and what rules apply over the period.
Our guide below will help you understand more about the Islamic tradition, including why it is observed, what it involves and some basic dos and don’ts.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is celebrated each year by Muslims as it is associated with the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. The first day of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of a crescent moon, and it is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Islamic tradition requires Muslims to fast during the day between sunrise and sunset.
The observance of Ramadan is considered one of the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’.
How long does Ramadan last?
Ramadan lasts for one moon cycle (usually around 30 days).
Moon sightings preceding Ramadan mark the onset, but more recently astronomical calculations and observations have played a greater role in determining the start of the celebrations.
Astrolabes were developed by Muslim mathematician Muhammad al-Fazari during the 8th century as a navigational tool which helped with the direction of Mecca, and calculating the dates for Ramadan and other religious festivals.
A moon-sighting committee, based in Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, (the holiest city in Islamic traditions) make an official announcement for commencement of Ramadan.
How is Ramadan observed?
Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk every day during the month of Ramadan.
There are some exceptions to this rule including, children, pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, the sick, and a few other exceptional cases such as those who are travelling.
Fasting is thought to help keep distractions at bay, and to cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities.
If you are a non-Muslim, but are visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan, it is not expected that you fast throughout this time. However, be respectful of tradition and abstain from eating or drinking in a public place, and follow etiquette on dress codes and behaviour below.
Fasting includes, no eating, no drinking, or smoking. Alongside this, sexual relations, bad behaviour and immoral speech are frowned upon.
Each morning before sunrise, Muslims engage in a pre-fast meal called ‘suhour’
Once the sun has set, the fast is broken usually with dates being the first food consumed. Muslims will then pray every night during Ramadan, reciting different chapters each day until the Quran is completed.
Ramadan is a time for charity, self-discipline, purity, and self-reflection.
After Ramadan – Eid Al Fitr
After the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate with a three-day holiday called Eid Al Fitr.
Muslims are no longer required to fast during the day, so they often decorate their homes and prepare extravagant meals for family and friends. Eid festivities vary culturally depending on the region, but there is a common thread in all celebrations of generosity and hospitality.
Gifts are given to children and the poor, especially chocolate and food, and it is considered a special time for family and friends.
Ramadan Etiquette
For non-Muslims the following rules should be obeyed during Ramadan if you are visiting a Muslim country:
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset
• Do not engage in public displays of affection
• Do not display any type of aggressive behaviour, including swearing
• Do not play loud music or dance in public
• Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public (women should cover their knees and shoulders, and men should cover their arms)
• Accept gifts offered to you, and if invited to a fast-breaking meal called Iftar, it is an honour to accept
• It is polite to greet people by saying “Ramadan Kareem”. This translates into English as “Happy Ramadan”.
Non-Muslims are permitted to eat and drink in the privacy of their own home, at specially designated areas, and, where restaurants or cafes which are open throughout the day, you can purchase food to take away to eat in private.
What else changes during Ramadan?
The effect of Ramadan is seen throughout all Muslim countries, and is reflected in changes of routines, working hours, opening hours for bars, restaurants, and some shops.
Most employers reduce the working day by two hours, regardless of sector or religion.
“Ramadan Kareem” from all at Creative Word!
Recent Comments