Ramadan in the UAE: All you need to know

Gulf News

In 2019, Ramadan falls during the summer. Why do  Muslims fast during Ramadan? What is the etiquette that one needs to observe in the UAE during the month? Here is a comprehensive guide of all you need to know about #Ramadan2019  Read the complete story here: https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/community/ramadan-2019-everything-you-need-to-know-1.1528649

Transcript

00:00Ramadan is expected to begin on May 6th in the UAE.

00:15So what exactly is Ramadan?

00:18Ramadan is the name of the 9th month in the Islamic calendar.

00:22It is the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and

00:27is a month of fasting and prayers for Muslims.

00:32The first day of Ramadan is traditionally marked by the sighting of the crescent moon

00:37with the naked eye.

00:38A moon sighting committee in Mecca, Saudi Arabia makes the official announcement.

00:44In the UAE, designated cannons are fired once to announce the start of Ramadan.

00:50Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle which is usually 29 to 30 days.

00:57The word Ramadan stems from the Arabic word Al-Ramad which means intense heat and dryness.

01:03The meaning also conveys the inner hardship felt by those who fast and also refers to

01:08the burning away of negativity and sins through fasting.

01:13Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every able-bodied adult

01:18Muslim.

01:20Among Muslims, it is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion and worship.

01:28During this month, Muslims fast for around 15 hours from dawn to sunset.

01:33The meal taken to end the fast is called Iftar.

01:37It is taken after sunset before Maghrib prayers after Azan.

01:43Muslims usually end their fast with dates and water which was the practice of the Prophet

01:47Muhammad peace be upon him.

01:50Dates are chosen because they contain a fast-acting and packed source of energy and sugars the

01:55body needs.

01:58The boom of cannons going off at sunset is an age-old Ramadan tradition in Dubai and

02:03elsewhere in the UAE.

02:05It marks the end of a day's fast.

02:11Many people usually stay up later in Ramadan and wake up earlier to partake of Suhoor,

02:17a pre-dawn meal to help them cope with the rest of the day.

02:23The last 10 nights of Ramadan are regarded as the most holy.

02:27Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him in one

02:31of the last 10 nights of the month although the exact night is not known.

02:38During Ramadan, people greet each other by saying Ramadan Kareem which translates to

02:43Happy Ramadan.

02:46In the UAE, during Ramadan, the standard work day is reduced by two hours for all employees

02:52in all sectors regardless of whether you are observing Ramadan or not.

02:58While Muslims do not expect non-Muslims to fast, it remains important to show respect

03:02and follow basic etiquette during this time.

03:07Non-Muslims must not eat or drink or smoke in public during fasting hours.

03:12This includes chewing gum.

03:14One must not engage in public displays of affection.

03:18People should not engage in any aggressive behaviour.

03:21Do not dance or play music in public.

03:23You may listen to music quietly on headphones.

03:27Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public.

03:30Dress respectfully.

03:31Men should avoid wearing sleeveless tops while women should cover their shoulders and knees.

03:36Do not swear.

03:38The penalty for not following the above etiquette can vary, with community service normally

03:43being favoured.

03:46Accept gifts.

03:47From a simple date to something more exotic, try to politely accept it.

03:52Further, if invited, it would always be an honour to join somebody at Iftar.

03:58It is advised to drive carefree during the holy month, especially during Iftar.

04:03Refrain from honking.

04:05For more information on Ramadan in the UAE, visit www.kulfnews.com and follow us on our

04:10social media platforms.

04:13www.kulfnews.com

Category

Transcript

Recommended