may eat, drink and smoke behind
closed doors and many restaurants and
hotels continue to serve food behind
screened-off areas.
Other things to be aware of include: no
music in public during the day as Muslims
listen to Quran recitations; the dress
code is intensified, so dress modestly
by covering your shoulders and
knees, and there is a change in traffic as
working hours are cut to 6 hours a day,
allowing those fasting to leave the office
early and rest before Iftar.
‘Iftar’ is the breaking of the fast at
sunset and is a social gathering serving
traditional meals. Muslims are urged
to invite others to break the fast with
them and it is said that the Prophet
Mohammed (PBUH) used to break his
fast with dates, a tradition that Muslims
still follow today. In some places in Dubai,
the firing of a traditional cannon is still used
to announce Iftar and two shots are fired on
the first day of Eid Al Fitr to celebrate the
end of Ramadan.
Throughout the month you will hear the
words "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan
Kareem" used as greetings (Kareem means
generous, Mubarak means blessings), and
“Suhoor” which is the meal in the morning
just before sunrise.
Please show consideration during this
special month, but most of all, you are
encouraged to experience the spirit of
Ramadan by taking part in the many social
activities on offer, especially Iftar.
RAMADAN DOS AND DON’TS
Don’t
• smoke, drink or eat in public
during the hours of sunrise to
sunset. This includes while you are
driving as well as in public places,
such as shopping malls.
• sing and dance in public.
• be overly rowdy. Keep stereos on
a low volume while driving, on the
beach or in your house, so as not
to disturb your Muslim neighbours.
• wear clothes that are considered
revealing in public places, i.e.
supermarkets and shopping malls.
Do
• smoke, drink and eat in the privacy
of your home or hotel room.
• get sociable in the evenings
for Iftar.
• be charitable.
• wish your neighbours “Ramadan
Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak”.
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