Ramadan - a guide for non-Muslims
Ramadan
is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. That doesn't mean
September. This year, 2012, it will begin on July 20 and end August 18.
The Islamic year has twelve lunar months, totalling 355 days. Each month
starts on a new moon. This means that Ramadan begins about 10 days
earlier each year. The Islamic New Year also advances by 10 days per
year (compared with the Gregorian Calendar used in the West). The
current Islamic year 1433 began on November 26, 2011 and will end on
November 15, 2012.
What is special about Ramadan?
According
to tradition, it was during Ramadan that the Archangel Gabriel
selected Muhammad to receive and speak the words of Allah which are
preserved to this day as the holy Quran. Unlike the Christian Bible
which is nearly always read in translation, the Quran is normally read
in its original Arabic language. Thus, in Islam, the Quran is especially
sacred as the direct word of God. (The classical Arabic of the Quran is
of a higher, more complex, form than the Arabic of modern books and
newspapers).
What happens during Ramadan?
Muslims
mark Ramadan by fasting each day from sunrise to sunset. This is a
strict fast - no food and no drink of any sort, not even water. It is
hard for smokers, because that too is disallowed, as is any sexual
activity while fasting. The faithful rise early in the morning and take a
meal, Suhoor, before dawn and first prayers. Their next meal is called
Iftar and is taken after the sunset prayer. Within the faith, exceptions
are made for the old and infirm, young children and pregnant and
nursing mothers.
Throughout Ramadan, families get together to share food and company in the evenings and night-time, and the emphasis is always on reflection, prayer and charity. Ramadan is not a commercialised festival.
Throughout Ramadan, families get together to share food and company in the evenings and night-time, and the emphasis is always on reflection, prayer and charity. Ramadan is not a commercialised festival.
Extra tips for Gulf travelers:
Shopping, business
and Government Office hours change during Ramadan. Most establishments
post a notice of Ramadan Timings at their entrance. Cafes, restaurants
and take-away food outlets do not open in daylight. However, food shops
do open and you can buy food to cook at home. Expect hotel restaurants
to be closed during daylight. International hotels will provide room
service.
Dress code during Ramadan is more restrained. Legs, shoulders and arms should be covered. In stricter quarters, even the wearing of jewellery is frowned upon, though this is not universal.
Alcohol outlets (if any) usually remain closed throughout the month. In Dubai, hotel bars open in the evenings (after Iftar) but with no live music. The Filipino bands are often allowed home for the month. In stricter states, bars are closed for the whole month, even for residents (though minbars may be stocked).
Lewd or offensive gestures or speech, never popular in Islam, are particularly to be avoided during this month when people are trying to keep their minds pure. But that's always good advice!
Dress code during Ramadan is more restrained. Legs, shoulders and arms should be covered. In stricter quarters, even the wearing of jewellery is frowned upon, though this is not universal.
Alcohol outlets (if any) usually remain closed throughout the month. In Dubai, hotel bars open in the evenings (after Iftar) but with no live music. The Filipino bands are often allowed home for the month. In stricter states, bars are closed for the whole month, even for residents (though minbars may be stocked).
Lewd or offensive gestures or speech, never popular in Islam, are particularly to be avoided during this month when people are trying to keep their minds pure. But that's always good advice!
Some tips for non-Muslims
If you live in the west, your
life goes on as normal. Nevertheless, it is good to be aware that your
Muslim colleagues may well be fasting. It is considerate to respect
this, and not to make a show of eating and drinking in their presence.
It is good to say 'Ramadan kareem' in greeting. It will be appreciated,
as I'm sure you would appreciate a 'Merry Christmas' from the locals if
you were working in Saudi.
If you live in an Islamic country (I live in Qatar), Ramadan is enshrined in law; it is not simply a religious option. You are not obliged to fast, but you are required to respect the traditions. Here are some tips to avoid accidental offence:
If you live in an Islamic country (I live in Qatar), Ramadan is enshrined in law; it is not simply a religious option. You are not obliged to fast, but you are required to respect the traditions. Here are some tips to avoid accidental offence:
- Take a good breakfast in the privacy of your apartment before venturing out for the day. If you must have lunch, take a packed lunch and find a private place to eat it. Better still, try to do without. Most of us carry a few extra pounds anyway.
- Don't snack - avoid coffees, sweets, gum, etc. during the day. Most of this is habit, rather than necessity, so it's a good discipline. You'll want to drink water. Try to find a private place.
- Try not to smoke. If you really must, find a private place, but also consider why you must!
Ramadan Kareem!
Postscript - tips on fasting
Sometimes,
non-Muslims living in the Gulf states choose to take part in the
Ramadam fasting regime, either as a token of respect or in some cases
simply because of circumstances. If you are not used to fasting but
decide to try it, the following suggestions may help:
Ramadan Kareem! And thanks for reading.
- For your per-dawn meal, choose slow energy release foods like pasta, rice or whole meal bread. Avoid empty calories (sugar and sweets) and avoid fried or heavily salted foods that will make you thirsty all day. Drink plenty of water with this meal.
- During the day, unless you wish to be very strict with yourself as a discipline, drinking water is better for your health than doing without, especially in hot countries. Dehydration is not good for the body.
- When you break your fast at sunset, take a little fruit and water first (dates are traditionally served) to take the edge off your hunger. Then take dinner later in the evening.
- Go to bed early as you will be rising early to eat. Sleep deprivation has no health advantages.
Ramadan Kareem! And thanks for reading.
This Hub was last updated on January 22, 2012
http://paraglider.hubpages.com/hub/Ramadan_Holy_Month