Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the most important months for Muslims as it is believed this is the month that the Qu’ran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). During this month all healthy Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset when they must refrain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of intimacy.
People who are physically or mentally unwell are exempt, as are people who are travelling, women who are pregnant, who are menstruating and children under twelve. If the fast is missed they should try to make up the fast at a later date, or make a donation to the poor instead.
Ramadan or Sawn is one of the five pillars of Islam which all Muslims are expected to follow, the other four are Faith (Shahadah); Prayer (Salah), Charitable Giving (Zakah), and the Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
During Ramadan most Muslims will tend to wake up just before sunrise to eat a meal or some food and this is known as Suhoor. They will then not be able to eat or drink again until sunset when it is traditional to open the fast with a date and then eat and this meal is known as Iftar.
All residents have to respect the month of Ramadan- which means adopting the following rules in public places during daylight hours.”
DO’s and DON’Ts:
- No eating, drinking or smoking in public.
- Dress more modestly taking care to cover the shoulders, knees and chest area.
- Don’t play loud music in your home or car.
- No public displays of affection.
Things That Are Different:
- Some businesses change their opening hours.
- Some shops may close in the afternoon (1pm onwards) but most also stay open to later times.
- Rush hour time changes from 6pm till 2pm as most offices close at that time.
- There are restaurants and cafes that have a special licence open during the day for non- fasters and these will be screened off from public view so it is still possible to eat outside your home. Most hotels have an outlet open during the day too.
- If you work most offices will implement an area for eating and drinking – don’t have coffee or water at your desk as it may disturb your colleagues.
- If you are pregnant you are exempt from fasting but it is polite to still be discreet. Same with children – they do not have to fast too but it is always best to be discreet.
- Your car is classed as a public place so definitely no smoking in there.
- You can also use restrooms in malls etc. to take a drink.
- Try and be patient with people who are fasting – it is tough and it is hot here. Ramadan is a time of peace and you should not shout or show anger.
- The roads do tend to become a little faster than normal just before Iftar time as people are rushing home to break their fast – take care or avoid driving at this time.
Ramadan Pointers
Here are some quick pointers for those who previously have not been in the region during the Ramadan period:
DO Dress Appropriately
Both men and women should dress conservatively, and not display too much skin when in public. Cover shoulders & upper arms, hemlines should reach the knee and pay attention to necklines.
DO Stop Smoking
As with eating and drinking, smoking is not allowed in public during the Holy Month of Ramadan. It’s the perfect time to quit; go on…. you know you want to!
DO Exchange Ramadan Greetings
It is customary to use the greeting “Ramadan Kareem” when meeting Muslims, and at the end of Ramadan, for the three day Eid celebrations, “Eid Mubarak”.
DO Be Charitable
An important element of the Holy Month is to be generous to those less fortunate by donating food, clothes or money to individuals and charitable organisations.
If you would like to acknowledge your Muslim maid or gardener, a token gift will be appropriate and much appreciated.
DO Be Considerate
Fasting can play havoc with a person’s eating and sleeping habits, so be sympathetic to people around you.
DO Avoid Driving at Sundown
As the day draws to a close, the roads fill with people heading to break their fast at Iftar celebrations. They haven’t eaten, or had a drink for twelve hours. If you don’t need to be on the road at that time, you would be wise to wait half an hour.
DO Enjoy the Local Culture
It’s so easy to live our lives in parallel lines. Ramadan in the one time of year you can blur the edges. Take your family along to one of the many hotel-based Iftar tents, soak up some local life, and don’t forget the backgammon set!
DO Accept Invitations
If have been invited to an Iftar meal with friends or colleagues, do go along. Remember not to go empty-handed. Arabic desserts or sweets are always a good option to offer your host.
DO NOT Eat in Public
Show respect for those who are fasting during the day by not eating and drinking in front of them. Most malls, and all hotels, will have one or two eateries open but discreetly tucked away behind screens / closed doors.
DO NOT Kiss or Hug Your Partner or Friends of the Opposite Sex in Public
As at other times of the year- but especially during Ramadan- avoid demonstrative acts of affection in public, as you will cause offence.
DO NOT Play Loud Music
Ramadan is a time for prayer and spiritual reflection. As such, it is important to respect the peace by not playing loud music in your home or car.
all information credit to http://www.expatwoman.com
1-Month Jail, KD100 Fine For Violators Of Ramadan RulesMoI Eye On Beggars, Donations
KUWAIT CITY, June 27: Interior Ministry’s Security Information Department congratulates Kuwaitis and expatriates on the advent of Ramadan and called for the general public to abide by customs and traditions during the period.
The ministry stressed need to respect the people who will be fasting by not eating or drinking in their presence, seeing that the act violates Kuwaiti laws and it’s punishable by a month’s imprisonment or fines not exceeding KD 100 or both punishments.
The sector assured that all necessary security steps have been taken to protect life and property during the month of fasting, with security teams on alert to control activities in all areas across the governorates, and to deal with traffic congestion at commercial complexes, beaches and parks.
Also, relevant legal measures are in place to control begging in Ramadan and those who collect donations during the period, noting that donations should be given to the appropriate authorities recommended by government. The Security Information Department appeals to the general public to abide by the country’s rules and regulations and wishes the people prosperity in the holy month.
-qouted by arabtimes
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