DON'Ts in Ramadan (FYI)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm) to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.
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For this year, 2017, the Holy month of Ramdan is set to begin from May 27, 2017 and is expected to end on June 24, based on moon sighting reports. It ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again. Eid Al Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
The date of Ramadan may also vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not. The duration of the daily fast depends on the number of hours between sunrise and sunset, which is affected by which season in which Ramadan falls.
As a non-muslim living in a country governed by Muslims, it's a MUST to know what are the things not to DO during Ramadan.
Here's my own list of Ramadan's DON'Ts:
1. DON'T eat or drink in public during fasting hours.
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Fasting is fardh (obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. Most Muslims in the UAE fast during Ramadan and yet go about their jobs with the same dedication. It's, therefore, important to respect those who are fasting and avoid eating or drinking in public.
2. DON'T play loud music at any time in your car, on the beach or even at home.
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Actually you can still play music; just make sure it can’t be heard outside your car or home and use headphones on the beach. Some lyrics may not be appropriate for people fasting and may interrupt or disturb their state of mind while they are fasting.
3. DON'T dance, sing or be intoxicated in public at any time.
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Ramadan is a time for prayer and spiritual reflection. As such, it is important to respect the peace by not playing loud music in your home or car. Most major nightclubs will close for Ramadan. Bars and pubs will generally remain open but will only serve alcohol after dark. Similarly, liquor stores will only sell after dark. There is also no live music and nothing above quiet background music in bars and pubs.
4. DON'T wear revealing or tight fitting clothes in public.
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Modesty is key during Ramadan. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Dress conservatively. Avoid going to public places like shopping centers and parks wearing shorts, mini-skirts or sleeveless outfits. This law is applicable all year round, but during Ramadan sensitivities are heightened.
5. DON'T smoke or chew gum in public.
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You can do it in the privacy of your home, hotel room or office. If you work in a shared or open plan office simply designate a room where the door can be closed. The point here is to be respectful to those colleagues that are fasting.
6. DON'T Kiss or Hug Your Partner in Public (Any public display of affections)
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Given the furor over a few headline cases over the last year this will not come as news to anyone. In reality, not all is how it is reported in the papers but during Ramadan, avoid demonstrative acts of affection, as you will offend.
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All the above simple list is just guide for us non-muslims to be aware of what we need to refrain during the entire month of Ramadan. Let's join our Muslim friends as they solemly celebrate through fasting and prayers this occasion.
Ramadan Kareem everyone!
--Yrag!
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