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
Read the complete story here: https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/community/ramadan-2019-everything-you-need-to-know-1.1528649
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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