Ramadan explained for expats

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, known as the ‘Hijri’ calendar in Arabic. It starts on the day the Prophet Mohammed migrated from Makah to the city of Medina. This is when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed and is the month of fasting for Muslims. The Arabic word Ramad means heat or drought, it symbolises abstinence from drinking water during the hours of fasting.

What is fasting?

Fasting is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam:

The declaration of faith

Establishing the five daily prayers

Offering the annual charity of the alms (to the poor and the needy, 2.5% of all savings)

Fasting during the month of Ramadan

The pilgrimage once in a lifetime for those who are physically, financially and mentally capable

Fasting entails abstinence from all food and drink, from dawn till dusk, every day throughout the holy month

Fasting is prescribed on every mature, adult Muslim who is physically capable. Children, the elderly and those with health issues are exempt

Other requirements during Ramadan

As well as fasting from food and drink, which is one aspect of the ritual, there are other requirements. Muslims must:

Observe the five daily prayers

Exert extra effort in performing good deeds and refraining from evil actions that are prohibited in Islam

Guard against all forms of ill speech and remain gentle and polite in all transactions and interactions

Avoid any substances (including smoking, non-life-critical medication, etc.) during fasting hours

Manage anger and forgive people who have wronged them

Avoid excessive or extravagant spending

Maintain and honour family ties

Avoid sexual contact between spouses during the fasting

Why people fast during Ramadan?

Ramadan is a once-a-year spiritual recharge and boost for Muslims. Fasting allows Muslims to test their self-restraint and to control their desires. It serves as a reminder to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ and to live a balanced life, free from excess and extravagance.

Cultural and behavioural changes

During Ramadan, you may see:

Cafés, food courts, restaurants and shopping centres closing during the hours of fasting

Businesses working fewer hours so staff can avoid exhaustion

Late-night activity in the city increasing to make up for the quietness during the day and because of the extra congregational night prayers Muslims attend during the holy month

Special Ramadan buffets for Iftar (when Muslims break their fast) and Suhoor (pre-fast meal) to encourage a social theme to the month

What should you do

How you can show your support during Ramadan:

Avoid eating or drinking in public or in front of people who are fasting (except for children, the elderly and those who cannot fast)

Expect and accept delays because of any changes to business and daily life. There may be shorter working hours during the holy month

You may wish to congratulate and greet Muslim colleagues and friends during the holy month

Both men and women alike should try to wear clothing to cover from the shoulders to the knees when out in public

Avoid wearing shorts/short skirts

Public beaches, beach parks and hotel pools will be open as usual. You may continue to wear swimwear in these areas

Avoid intimate public displays of affection