here is a great interactive article by gulfnews.com that demystifies Ramadan for all of us non-muslims out there!
now, being in a predominantly muslim country there are certain rules of etiquette (also from a gulfnews.com article) recommended for non-muslims during this time. i found them interesting and thought i would share:
- Eating and drinking in public is banned across the UAE during Ramadan, and strict penalties are levied on those who break the rule. Most eateries are closed during the day for the month, but some restaurants do offer delivery services.
- Avoid eating or drinking in front of colleagues who are fasting in office.
- Do not get into arguments with those who are fasting; be patient and show consideration for the long hours of fasting.
- Dress and behave modestly, avoiding animated behaviour that could cause offense.
- Try to understand Ramadan better by involving yourself in the spirit of the month. Saying 'Ramadan Kareem' to Muslims and attending a fast-breaking feast, or iftar, would be appreciated by most Muslims.
- Do not play live music as it is banned through the month.
- Shopping malls and supermarkets are expected to be open late at night.
- Since cultural consciousness is also high during the month, Ramadan can be a good time to connect with the local and Muslim cultural scene by attending the various musical and social events, as well as trying local and regional cuisine that is popular during the month of fasting.
- Arabic speaking non-Muslims wishing to learn more about the region and its people will notice that Arabic television channels change their programming to a new schedule dedicated for Ramadan, when some of the most popular celebrities in the Arab world feature in some of the most-watched soap operas, historic series, as well as religious, cultural and musical shows.
Hello in your Islamic country ..
ReplyDeleteRamadan Kareem:)
I want you to may benefit from this experience and Seeing all was going on around you within the Muslim community in this month .. I am a Muslim from Saudi Arabia .. the benefit of this holy month of Ramadan is to train the self to do good and humanitarian action and dimension for a long time for food in times of the day and times of work .. This makes us as Muslims to obey the orders of God .. and this training on the system in our lives .. And prohibited the practice of lying or unethical behavior of others .. Month of Ramadan is very beautiful and invites people to abide by the moral high .. If you are a non-Muslim I invite you to experience the fast during the holy month of Ramadan experience, and a moral obligation to refine the soul and the like, such as yoga:) .. It's a beautiful experience only try .. Any question I am ready to answer it through my email .. Ramadan Kareem
Ali