Ramadan

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, it follows Shaban (or Sha’ban / Shaaban – the eighth month), and is followed by the month of Shawwal / Shawal / Shawaal. Ramahan is an important period for us Muslims who observe the period with daytime fasting, worship and spiritual contemplation. Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month in the Islam calendar. We believe that the Qur’an (or Koran) was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) during the month of Ramadan on the night of Laylat al Qadr (or Laylat ul Qadr), one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

“Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are congratulatory greetings used when the first day of Ramadan is announced (kareem means generous and mubarak means blessings). Suhoor is the meal in the morning just before sunrise – it is usually a light meal. Iftar is the time of the evening meal just after sunset (when we break our fast), traditionally a light snack of dates and water. During the month of Ramadan, we have the following obligations

  • No eating, drinking, smoking between sunrise (fajr) and sunset (maghrib, rather than magrib).
  • Curb undesirable emotions such as anger, greed, envy, lust, and refrain from gossip.
  • Keep thoughts and actions pure and use the time of fasting for spiritual contemplation.
  • Be charitable and help those in need.
  • Visit friends and family members.

Children (cut-off point is about 12 years old), the elderly, the insane, travellers, pregnant or nursing women, sick people are not expected to fast. Instead they should feed one poor person each day during Ramadan, or, in the case of temporary conditions, make up the days by fasting at a later date. Women should not fast during menstruation but make up those days after Ramadan.

  • Mosques offer free Iftar meals to the less privileged members of society, whether they are Muslim or not. The meals might be sponsored by charities, companies, or individuals. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque has one of the largest Iftar gatherings in their carpark.
  • Many hotels will have special Iftar tents where customers can have a simple or more complex meal
  • Ramadan is seen as an opportunity to visit friends and family members, especially those with whom contact has faded.
  • The rulers in various emirates pardon a number of prison inmates on the first day of Ramadan. Some are also released for the month of Ramadan to spend time with their family.
  • Most businesses and government offices work for shorter hours
  • Business activities tend to slow down during Ramadan.
  • Almost all restaurants and cafes will be closed during the day but many will extend their opening hours at night.
  • Supermarkets are normally open during the day and have extended hours at night – sometimes till midnight or even later.
  • Shopping centers are open during the day and an extra hour or two at night. Closing times might be as late as midnight or 0100 (1am).
  • It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including in your car). We expect Non-Muslims to expect that and we see it as a disrespect when we see someone eating. Urban legend has it that you end up in jail for the remainder of the month of Ramadan if caught.

Read More: Ramadan Awareness Campaign, IACAD

Ramadan