#RamadanKareem2015: Everything you need to know

Ramadan is here again, so read our guide to know all there is to know about the holy month

The first day of Ramadan has been confirmed as Thursday June 18 by the moonsighting commitee.

What is Ramadan all about?
When is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. This year, as far as the Gregorian calendar is concerned, Ramadan starts on June 18 .

How long does it last?
Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days, or one complete moon cycle. The moon sighting determines the duration.

How do we know when it starts?
A moon-sighting committee in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, will make an official announcement.

What does the moon have to do with it?
Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the new crescent moon. Effectively the 30 day period is the entire moon cycle.

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 #Ramadan2015 and #RamadanKareem.

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. It is regarded as the holiest month of the year as it was the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, 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.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185

The annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
How do Muslims observe Ramadan? Adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk every day throughout Ramadan. Those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding are not required to fast. Those who were travelling 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 in mid-evening.
Why fasting? 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 fast? Fast may be broken at sunset before Maghrib prayers after ‘Azaan’ (call for prayers). This occurs just after sunset. Dates are traditionally the first food to be eaten each evening. The fast-breaking meal is called Iftar.

You can read the UAE’s most comprehensive guide to Iftar offerings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi here.
When does fasting start? Each morning before sunrise, Muslims engage in a pre-fast meal called Suhoor. Afterwards they begin the Fajr prayers.

When does Ramadan end? Ramadan ends after 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan and it is considered a public holiday. The government will announce the exact holiday dates nearer the time.

Ramadan for non-Muslims

Do non-Muslims have to fast? No. While Muslims don’t expect non-Muslims to fast as well, it remains important to show respect. As such there are certain things to know. Read below:
What do you need to know? Most of the following points apply to the rest of the year too, but are even more important to adhere to during Ramadan.
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.
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 vests, while women should cover their shoulders and knees.
Do not swear. Blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan.
Do not refuse a gift, from a simple date to something more exotic, you should accept it. Further, you should not refuse an invitation to join someone at Iftar.
The penalty for not following the above etiquette can vary, with community service normally being favoured.
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.

What else you need to know
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.

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 the 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: While a lot of businesses change their hours for Ramadan, malls remain generally open during the day – 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 7pm, 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.

Source:
Martin Fullard, Guides Writer