THIS month
Understanding
Ramadan
T
he word Ramadan comes from the
Arabic root ‘ramida’ meaning dryness
or scorching heat, and is the ninth
month of the Islamic calendar. The
Islamic calendar uses the phases of the moon
to mark its days, usually 344 or 345 days
per year, and the sighting of the new moon
marks the start and end of Ramadan. In the
365 day Gregorian calendar, Ramadan falls
approximately 11 days earlier each year.
Muslims believe that during Ramadan
Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran
to the Prophet Mohammed – Peace Be Upon
Him (PBUH), and honour the holy month
with prayer, fasting and charity.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five
pillars of Islam (basic acts), and is obligatory
22 | JULY Discover Dubai
for all Muslims who have come of age.
Those who are ill, travelling, pregnant,
breastfeeding, diabetic or menstruating are
excused, but must make up the days later on.
To fast means not to eat or drink (including
water) during daylight hours. Muslims are
also expected to abstain from smoking,
sexual relations and speaking sinfully. While
non-Muslims are not required to fast, they
are legally obliged not to eat, drink or smoke
in public places. If you break the rules, you
will probably receive a verbal warning, but
be careful, short jail sentences have been
handed out in the past. Generally speaking,
the police are lenient, but your underst [