Shaily Kalra

Dubai, as we know is the promising, colourful and the most busy metropolitan city around the world is now experiencing the taste of culture and tradition as the journey started yesterday with the beginning of holy month of Ramadan.

Ali Rashid Lootah Mosque, popularly known as Kuwaiti Masjid, in Naif area in Deira, Dubai witnessed witnessed people in massive numbers outside the Masjid to break their first fast with the sunset meal of iftar.

The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.

Ramadan is the holy month which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran and is significant for all Muslims. During this month, Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk, followed by Iftar (breaking the fast). Ramadan has special significance in Dubai where the annual festival is marked by a host of Ramadan-related events. In Dubai, Ramadan influences can be seen in all spheres of life, including social, business, cultural and entertainment.

It is believed that during this holy month all the believers of Islam and particularly those who keep fast have to avoid active social life and have to keep both their mind and soul in a pure state.

At this time Muslims not only avoid smoking, eating and drinking but also do not hurt others by their words, acts or deeds.

Guide for non-Muslims

It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public and a conservative dress code must be maintained to respect the spirit of the holy month.

It is appropriate to greet Muslims during Ramadan by saying ‘Ramadan Kareem’ or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’.

People should also try and attend a meal to break the fast called ‘Iftar’.

Timings for Iftar are announced everyday in the newspaper and television and change by about 1 minute every day. The calendar usually shows the breaking of fast with the Maghrib prayer.

Live music is banned and all should avoid noisy entertainment at home or office.
Happy Ramadan.