Ramadan Do’s and Don’ts Guide

Here’s a brief guide of Dos and Don’ts for non-Muslims who may not have experienced Ramadan in a Muslim country before. We understand it can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure what you shouldn’t be doing and all your mates are telling you different things.  The most important thing to remember is respect, if you respect the religion and culture of the region those fasting will be happy to answer your questions and you’ll feel more at ease too!

                   

Dos
• Embrace the spirit of Ramadan. The Holy Month is a great time to get involved with local traditions and broaden your understanding of Islamic culture. Many hotels host nightly Iftar and Suhour banquets – attend at least one during this Islamic festival. Try the local dishes such as Harees, stuffed dates and Laban.

• Check timings. Many businesses, restaurants and recreational facilities will change their timings during Ramadan, so to avoid disappointment do check before you head-off.

• Have a king’s breakfast. Make sure you have a good breakfast before venturing out for the day. Many eateries will be shut during Ramadan and it may be hard to get something to eat during the day, especially if you’re not in a familiar place.

• Mind your mouth. Ramadan calls for Muslims to cleanse their entire mind and body, which includes refraining from swearing, gossip or insults. So avoid this kind of talk when in the presence of someone who is fasting.

• Turn the music down. Loud music is forbidden during Ramadan. So keep the speakers in your car and at home at a mellow volume.

• Keep your hands to yourself. Public displays of affection are extremely frowned upon in Islam, but particularly during Ramadan.

• Be patient. Keep in mind that those around you haven’t eaten since the before-dawn meal, so they’re likely hungry, tired, and potentially grouchy. Slow yourself down and be patient.

• Ask someone. If you keep hearing conflicting stories from all your mates and aren’t really sure of something why not try this novel idea, ask someone. If you’re not sure who to ask just look around you, one of your colleagues is bound to be fasting and would probably be more than happy to clear-up whatever you might be confused about.

• Be careful on the roads. During the run-up to Iftar, people fasting rush home to make sure they are home as soon as Iftar is called to break their fast. Driving can sometimes be erratic.

Don’ts
• Eat or drink in public during daylight hours. Should you need to eat and drink, make sure you are in a closed off areas, out of sight of anyone who could be fasting.

• Smoke in public. Again, the same rules apply, if you need to smoke, make sure you choose somewhere that is completely out of sight of anyone fasting.

• Dress inappropriately. It is important that you dress conservatively during Ramadan, out of respect. Women should keep their shoulders and cleavage covered and should not wear shorts or skirts that finish above the knee. For men, it’s the area between the navel and knee that should particularly be kept covered.

• Get upset with neighbours. If you have Muslim neighbours, they’ll more than like eat and socialize in the evening much more than usual and generally later than usual. In Ramadan all social activities are left until after Iftar and so it is normal to see families up very late.

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