Do’s and Don’ts in Ramadan in UAE

Dubai is an amazing destination to explore and live an exotic life. There are no forceful restrictions upon tourists and guests and the incredible lifestyle is at par. However, things are not the same throughout the year especially in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month in which there is a pre -requisite of knowing the whereabouts of the Islam culture and be aware of the respectful way to portray yourself, particularly in the Ramadan month which happens to be a very important Muslim month.

Fasting is the greatest pillar of Islam to show faith. Muslims also derive a reminder out of fasting that there still are some people in the world who are living a life below poverty line. Religious and holy practices are observed throughout the month of Ramadan. The night of power or “Laylat al-Qadar” is known to be the most holy night during Ramadan.

The ninth month of the traditional Muslim calendar is the holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to Islam. The actual date is calculated with the help of the lunar cycle. Incredibly vital, Ramadan is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and vigor to accomplish all crucial traditions, observations, rituals and expectations. The month of Ramadan offers a pleasant environment with high levels of mercury and a warm breeze. These are the most awaited days to practice recognition and surrender to Allah, to observe self control and keep clean the environment, body, soul and heart. The most important components of Ramadan are: fasting, giving charity, praying, self- accountability and meditating. The significance of this holy month can be discovered in Quran, the holy book of Muslims.

DO’s:

• Keep pure thoughts and actions
• Engage in spiritual meditation
• Keep in touch with family and friends and pay visits to them
• Be good to your parents
• Visit the sick
• Control your anger
• Control your desires
• Help the needy and give away charity
• Follow sunnah (sit and drink water, wash your hands before eating etc.
• Be polite to Muslims
• Respect their fasting

DON’TS :

• Don’t indulge in drinking, smoking or worldly pleasures
• Don’t shout or be furious
• Don’t indulge in undesirable emotions like envy, greed, anger or lust
• Don’t stare at any Emirati women or indulge in any crime
• Don’t drive rash
• Don’t try to pester a Muslim into breaking his or her fast.
• Don’t eat or drink in public before sunset. This includes consuming anything in your car or cab.
• Don’t show public display of affection
• Don’t wear revealing clothes
• Don’t raise the volume of your stereo or TV during the prayer hours
• Don’t swear in public.

The best part of the Islamic traditions in the UAE is that the non Muslims are not forced or pressurized to follow any traditions of the Muslims. The non Muslims are not obliged anything other than showing respect for the Muslims and their beliefs, by avoiding drinking and eating out in public during the fasting hours. Most of the organizations and work places tend to reduce the working hours for their employees during the Ramadan month. During the working hours, almost all work places provide a room to non – Muslims where they can have something to eat or drink. However, the non Muslims are required to keep the eating and drinking in private and be aware to keep the doors of the room closed while they eat or drink.

The holy month of Ramadan is concluded gracefully by the observing the moon. This day is called Eid al Fitr. The event dedicated to close the fast comprise of prayers at the mosques followed by celebration with close ones like family and friends along with the elderly. All workplaces of the government remain closed to celebrate the awe of the festival. In other words, Ramadan is an ideal time to capture the celebrations and make the most out of the spirits.