I just found this post, which I did not post, written early September last year. Here it is, only gently tweaked.
Ramadan Kareem (Happy Ramadan)
(photo above - Ramadan decorations on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi)
Charity
Good deeds and giving to the poor are also aspects of Ramadan. It is said in the Quran "...giving during Ramadan..." I read in the Khaleej times, that some people come to the UAE during Ramadan, to take advantage of people’s good will and to beg for money. Begging is against the law in the UAE. I was only approached once in Abu Dhabi for money.
Ramadan Symbols
We visited Dubai last weekend (late August) and attempted day-time, outdoor, walking and tourism.
Ouch - the heat and humidity of Dubai was more intense and brutal than we expected. Our first effort at escaping the hotel was rebuked; we ended up retreating back to our room and gulping down water.
The next day, we drank two liters of water before even attempting to walk in the oven outside. By the time we returned to our hotel three hours later, all that water was sweated out. My clothes were soaked; when I took them off in the room, they felt like they had just been pulled out of the washing machine, before going into the dryer. Late August in Dubai was a bloody oven. Even so, we managed to enjoy shopping at Dubai Old Souk and a late night boat ride.
In Closing
Ramadan is the Muslim Holy month, celebrated every 9 month on a lunar calendar. It is a time of prayer, fasting and great celebration. I was lucky enough to be in Abu Dhabi this year during the beginning of Ramadan. Since Ramadan is dependent on a lunar calendar, Ramadan falls on a different month and day each year. A group of religious leaders watch the evening sky for the first sign of the crescent moon, signaling the beginning of Ramadan. August 22nd marked the beginning of Ramadan this year.
(photo above - Ramadan decorations on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi)
Fasting for Ramadan begins at sunrise and lasts until sunset. Ramadan fasting requires, no drinking, no eating, no smoking and abstaining from physical relations. All restaurants are closed during the day during the month of Ramadan. In Muslim countries, it is against the law to eat or drink anything in public. Some of the hotel restaurants may have a private, blocked from public view, location where guests can eat and drink during the day.
(Ramadan display in Abu Dhabi Mall)
The local newspapers and magazines encourage non-Muslims to attempt fasting, in order to better appreciate what the locals are doing and how they are feeling. I gave it a go for about a week. Have you ever gone without food and water during the hottest time of the year? August and September in the United Arab Emirates had the most brutal heat I’ve ever experienced. The heat and humidity kick up a notch and take summer to another level - I've heard it described as "hell on earth" - I just think of it as “oven-time”.
(Laborers taking a mandatory break between noon and 3 PM)
Fasting is something I do during the month of Lent. But the kind of fasting I've done, is not like Ramadan fasting. If you are indoors, out of the UAE heat, Ramadan fasting is tolerable in AC comfort. If you have to spend any time outdoors, under the brutal sun and humidity, Ramadan fasting is a true challenge and a test of one’s faith and resolve. By law, this time of year, the construction laborers are required to take a break from work from 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. You'll see men in coveralls resting in the shade of buildings, trees and anywhere they can find a little relief from the sun. It was quite the experience, a humbling experience and worthy of respect.
Ramadan fasting is broken at sunset and after the Magrib call to prayer. Traditionally, fasting is broken with friends and family sharing water and dates. The Middle East, and UAE have the most wonderful dates you'll ever eat. Water and dates never tasted so good. About an hour and a half later is the evening call to prayer, this is when the feasting begins - these meals are called Iftar meals. Many of the locals will feast (and smoke shisha) with friends and family until late - some will pray all night, until early morning. Yes, this does affect office hours in the private sector, which tend to be shortened for Muslims to a work day of 9 AM - 2:30 PM (the shortened work day does not apply to expats).
Charity
Good deeds and giving to the poor are also aspects of Ramadan. It is said in the Quran "...giving during Ramadan..." I read in the Khaleej times, that some people come to the UAE during Ramadan, to take advantage of people’s good will and to beg for money. Begging is against the law in the UAE. I was only approached once in Abu Dhabi for money.
Ramadan Symbols
- Lantern - symbolizes the light of God.
- Crescent Moon - marks the beginning of Ramadan and the lunar calendar.
- Stars - the Heavens and evening sky
We visited Dubai last weekend (late August) and attempted day-time, outdoor, walking and tourism.Ouch - the heat and humidity of Dubai was more intense and brutal than we expected. Our first effort at escaping the hotel was rebuked; we ended up retreating back to our room and gulping down water.
The next day, we drank two liters of water before even attempting to walk in the oven outside. By the time we returned to our hotel three hours later, all that water was sweated out. My clothes were soaked; when I took them off in the room, they felt like they had just been pulled out of the washing machine, before going into the dryer. Late August in Dubai was a bloody oven. Even so, we managed to enjoy shopping at Dubai Old Souk and a late night boat ride.
In Closing
I found my time spent in the UAE rewarding and educational. I've gained new insights into the Middle East and Muslim Culture. Stereotypes have been broken and a deeper appreciation for the Arab world has been embraced. Truly an enlightening experience and time so well spent. If you have the opportunity to visit or work in the UAE - go there. I don't know when I'll return to the Middle East, but I look forward to that time.
Ramadan Kareem - A'slaam A'lakum
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