Ramadan

Ramadan starts tomorrow, so for the next month I won't be able to do a lot of the things I take for granted as part of my daily routine including:

• getting my beloved lattes during daylight hours
• wearing shorts
• chewing gum outside of my house.

Although it sounds completely insanse to a Westerner, the foundations of Ramadan are lovely, reflecting ideals of religion and spirituality that ring familiar. Maybe this is something we should all experience at some point???

Below is an excerpt from an email sent around Jay's office yesterday which gives a concise background and some helpful tips:

Dear All,

As you are aware, Ramadan is due to begin shortly. Please find below some information and do's and don'ts as an introduction for those of you experiencing Ramadan for the first time or as a refresher for those of you already familiar with the etiquette.

The holy month of Ramadan is an important period of religious significance for Muslims who observe the period with worship, spiritual contemplation and by fasting during daylight hours. Muslims refrain from smoking, eating, drinking and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured from dawn to sunset. Fasting helps Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from temptations, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

At sunset, the fast is broken with an Iftar meal, traditionally a light snack of dates and water, although today many hotels in Dubai offer huge Iftar buffets. Ramadan is a time to be charitable and help those in need and visiting friends and family members, often into the early hours of the morning.

Eid Al Fitr, meaning "the festival of breaking the fast" is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, and the start of the next month on the Islamic calander. This is a time of celebration, visiting family and friends, feasting, as well as donation of food to the less fortunate.

Do's and Don'ts

• It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours (including inside your car). If you get caught you will likely get a lecture from the police or possibly a fine. In some instances a jail term of 1-2 months is given. Note that chewing gum is classed as eating and considered offensive. Most workplaces will have a dedicated area where non-Muslims can eat, drink and possibly smoke without causing offence.


• If you are out and your children are hungry, they are permitted to eat/drink in public but it is important to be discreet.


• Don't swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times but is particulary offensive during the holy month.


• It is respectful and polite to dress more conservatively during Ramadan - shoulders and legs should be covered.


• Don't play loud music at anytime in your car, home, at the beach, etc.


• Don't sing or dance in public at anytime during Ramadan. Nightclubs will be closed, however bars will open after 7pm. There will be no live music in bars, but quiet background music is permissable.


• Do be tolerant of others during this period and show patience and understanding.


• Do get into the charitable spirit, small gestures go a long way.

Many Thanks. Ramadam Kareem in advance.

Wish me luck!