The rituals of Ramadan

The specific dates of Ramadan change every year, as it is based on the cycles of the moon. However, if you’re lucky enough to be in Dubai during this special time, you will get to experience a whole other side to the city. To better understand the rituals of Ramadan, here’s what a typical day during the Holy Month involves:

Suhoor: the early meal

Before dawn, Muslims awaken in sleepy camaraderie to pray and partake in suhoor together in preparation for a day of fasting, which starts with the morning adhaan or ‘call to prayer’. On weekdays, suhoor is usually had at home with the family, while weekends see city dwellers head to special tentsor restaurants to fuel up before the first light of the day, and the Fajr prayer. Restaurants across the city offer suhoor meals, to which Muslims and non-Muslims alike are welcome – while some of these do continue until just before dawn, many are between 9pm and 1am.

Siyam: the fast

Siyam, which means ‘to refrain’, is the hours of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Besides practicing physical restraint, devotees must also refrain from bad thoughts, actions and words. The fast is a way of cleansing the body and soul from impurities and refocusing the mind to worship, atonement and gratitude. Fasting also teaches you to put yourself in the shoes of those less fortunate and encourages participation in charitable activities. At home, kitchens get busy in preparation for the quiet rhythm of iftar.

Iftar: breaking the fast

As the sun sets (Maghrib prayer), a pause falls over the city until the roar of cannons signals the end of the fast and the proclamation of iftar. People across Dubai join billions of Muslims around the world who traditionally break their fast like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did, with a sip of water and some dates. Paying great attention to tradition, homes are at their hospitable best, while many hotels and restaurants pull out all stops to serve incredible feasts. At dusk, twinkling Arabesque decorations come aglow all over the city throughout the Holy Month.

Taraweeh: prayers

According to Islamic tradition, the month of Ramadan is when Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The night of this revelation – known as Laylat Al Qadr, the Night of Decree – falls during the last ten days of the Holy Month and this is the time when prayers are considered to be equivalent to 1,000 months of worship.

The isha (night prayers) and taraweeh (extended evening prayers during Ramadan) are very important for Muslims throughout the whole of Ramadan. To mark the revelation of the Qur’an, Muslims read one-thirtieth of the Holy Book each day of Ramadan. Thus, by the end of the month, the whole Qur’an has been read and recited.

Prayers during the Holy Month are split into three phases, or ashra. The first ten days reflect mercy, the second ten days forgiveness and the final ten days protection from damnation.

Zakat: charity

One of the five pillars of Islam, charity is particularly significant during Ramadan and the Eid festivals. The government and large organizations run special initiatives, and individuals step up to do their part in helping those less fortunate.

What should tourists be aware of during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Muslims won’t eat, drink or smoke between sunrise and sunset – but this doesn’t apply to non-Muslims and tourists who aren’t observing the fast. However, there are a few things to bear in mind during Ramadan if you’re visiting Dubai.

While there’s no requirement for non-Muslims to avoid eating and drinking in public during the day, you may choose to do so out of respect for those fasting. Most restaurants remain open, serving food as normal, so there’s no shortage of places to dine at. And children can eat and drink anywhere during the day.

Visitors should also expect the pace of life in Dubai to change. During the Holy Month, most businesses will work fewer hours to accommodate more time for family and prayers. So you should check opening hours, and try to avoid meetings during the late afternoon.

Part of respecting the fast is to recognize that, while it is a challenge, it is one which Muslims take on gladly. Many Muslims eagerly await Ramadan and the opportunity to fast and give back to the community, making the Holy Month a highlight of the year.

Ramadan is when the entire community comes together in an effort to better themselves. Expect family festivities and socializing to continue until the late hours at parks, markets and shopping malls, with an incredible array of iftars to try.

Whether by attempting to keep the fast or helping the poor, you can be a part of the Holy Month in Dubai by embracing customs and wishing friends ‘Ramadan Mubarak’.

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