Ramadan 2019: Everything you need to know
Here's
everything you need to know about this month
When is Ramadan?
The first day of Ramadan is
traditionally marked by the sighting of the crescent moon with the naked eye,
and is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ibrahim Al Jordan, General
Supervisor at Sharjah Planetarium, said that according to calculations, Ramadan
in the UAE is most likely to fall on Monday, May 6. However there is no
confirmation yet, so stay tuned.
What is Ramadan all about?
Ramadan is regarded as the best
month of the year for Muslims as it was the month in which the Quran was
revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Lela Al Quad, one of the
last ten nights of Ramadan.
''The month of Ramadan (is that)
in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and the clear proof
for guidance and criterion. So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let
him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other
days. Allah intends for you ease and doesn't intend for you hardship and wants
for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that (to) which He has
guided you: and perhaps you will be grateful.''
Sarah Al-Baqarah 2:185
The annual observance of Ramadan
is considered one of the 'Five Pillars of Islam'.
How long does it last?
Ramadan lasts for one complete
moon cycle, which is usually 29 or 30 days. The moon sighting determines the
duration. Nowadays, astronomical calculations have started taking precedence
over the age-old tradition of moon sighting by the naked eye to determine the
dates.
How do we know when it starts?
A moon-sighting committee in
Makkah, Saudi Arabia, will make an official announcement.
Why Saudi Arabia?
Makkah is considered the holiest
city in Islam. Not only was it the birthplace of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), but
also the location where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had his first revelation of the
Quran. Because of this, the rest of the Islamic world follow Saudi Arabia’s
announcement.
How do you greet each other?
Greet people by saying “Ramadan
Kareem”. This roughly translates into “Happy Ramadan”.
Take the greetings online by using
the hashtag #RamadanKareem
How do Muslims observe Ramadan?
Adult Muslims are required to fast
from dawn to dusk every day throughout Ramadan. Those who are ill, elderly,
diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding are not required to fast.
Those who travel or are unwell during the period of Ramadan may fast on
different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast unless they
have reached puberty, although many still do out of choice.
In addition to abstaining from
eating, drinking, and smoking, Muslims also refrain from sexual relations as
well as sinful speech and behaviour.
During Ramadan, Muslims pray every
night for 30 days, reciting different chapters each day until the Quran is
completed by Eid Al Fitr. This is called the Taraweeh prayer, which is recited
after Isha prayers mid-evening.
Why a fast?
Fasting redirects the heart away
from distractions, with its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it
from impurities. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to practice
self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy for those less fortunate. It encourages
generosity and charity.
When do Muslims break their fast?
Fast
may be br for This occurs just after sunset. Dates
are traditionally the first food to be eaten each evening. The fast-breaking meal
is called Iftar.
Check daily prayer timings here on
Guides.
When does fasting start?
Each morning before sunrise,
Muslims engage in a pre-fast meal called 'suhour'. Afterwards, they start with
the Fajr prayers.
What after Ramadan?
Ramadan ends after 29 or 30 days.
Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan
and it is considered a public holiday period. The government will announce the
exact holiday dates nearer the time.
Read our ultimate guide to UAE
holidays this year here
Do non-Muslims have to fast?
No. While Muslims don’t expect
non-Muslims to fast as well, it remains important to show respect and follow
basic etiquette in daily behavior.
Basic Ramadan etiquette
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in
public during the fasting hours. This includes chewing gum.
Do not engage in public displays
of affection, like hugging or kissing.
Do not engage in any aggressive
behaviour.
Do not dance or play music in
public. You may listen to music quietly with headphones.
Do not wear inappropriate clothing
in public. Dress respectfully. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless tops, while
women should cover their shoulders and knees.
Do not swear.
Accept gifts, from a simple date
to something more exotic, try to politely accept it. Further, if invited, it
would always be an honor to join someone at Iftar.
The penalty for not following the
above etiquette can vary, with community service normally being favored.
Where can you eat, drink, or smoke?
If you are not fasting, then you
are free to eat and drink in the privacy of your own home, as well as in
designated areas. Ask your employer where you can eat your lunch. The same goes
with smoking.
Some restaurants and cafes will be
open during the day. You are free to frequent these. Food can be taken away and
consumed in private.
Everything else
Work hours
The standard work-day is reduced
by two hours for all employees across all sectors, regardless of whether you
are observing Ramadan or not.
Metro timings
Usually, metros on the red and
green lines start at 5.30am for Ramadan with the last trains at 12am on
weekdays. The train service will be available from 10am on Fridays and 5.30am
on Saturdays ending at 1am on both days.
*This information is yet to be
confirmed and is based on last year's timings. We will be publishing and
updating this as soon as it is announced by RAT.
Grocery shopping
Supermarkets and groceries are
open as usual, and you are free to do your weekly shop as normal.
Driving
There’s no denying the fact that
driving during the day, particularly between 5pm and Iftar, is hazardous. Some
fasting taxi drivers may have been working longer than they should have been
and as a result they may be dehydrated and lacking the ability to concentrate
properly. Only drive in the afternoons if you absolutely have to.
Booking a taxi
If you are heading out around the
Iftar time, then be advised that booking a taxi may not be so easy. A lot of
drivers will be breaking their fast, so availability may be difficult.
Going out for dinner
If you are planning on going out
for Iftar then you should book a table in advance. Restaurants are
understandably busy during Ramadan evenings.
Going to the mall
A lot of businesses change their
hours for Ramadan. Malls remain generally open during the day and stay open
later than usual – with the exception of food courts and restaurants. Some
restaurants may remain open, but this will seldom be advertised.
Going to a bar
Bars generally open from around pm, and close earlier than usual. There will be no live music, but live sport
on TV will still generally be shown.
Give to charity
Ramadan is a charitable time, and
giving to those less fortunate will be greatly appreciated. It doesn’t have to
be money, but perhaps food for Iftar.
