RAMADAN will start soon… Understanding its Etiquettes for

non-Muslims

Dr Hend Al Muftah

DFI,24-7-2011

- Why Ramadan?

- How Ramadan

Work?

- Ramadan day…

- Garangaoo!!

- Do’s & Don’t

- Q & A

What do you know about Ramadan???

Why Ramadan?

The month Al-Quran was revealed by

Allah to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

Fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam

The 9th month of the Islamic calendar

Ramadan is a religious festivals &

ends with Eid Al Fiter Festival

Of Ramadan

• To rid us of those “bad” habits…

• Teaches us discipline & self control …

• Time for forgiveness…

• Caring for other people…specially

suffering…

• To reform ourselves…

• Create a bond with Allah that will continue

Allah is not in need of any person to leave

his food or drink or desires…

But we need to do so …

Discipline, Merits & Rewards

Forgiveness, Solidarity

How Ramadan Work?

• Begins with the sighting of the crescent moon & lasts for 29/30 days depending on the lunar cycle

• Incorporates physical & spiritual aspects – Fasting from morning to dusk …

– Worship & Pray … @ mosque , charitable activities, Zakat…

– … Just being a “good” HUMAN…

Ramadan @ Doha • The city/malls will be glowing with twinkling

lights

• Many signs in English & Arabic saying

“Ramadan Kareem.”

• Adjusted working hours, late morning & evening best time 4 shopping

• Stores/hotels have special foods, special offerings

People are joyful

Typical day During Ramadan

Suhoor Fasting Iftar Taraweeh

Suhoor! Getting up midnight Eat & probably read Quran Pray Al Fajar Don’t be surprised that some Muslims might be a little bit grumpy, quiet or much slower in performing tasks while fasting This is due to the adjustment period of fasting & sleeping

Fasting!

Iftar! Time 4 breaking fasting Iftar cannon Collective/Group Iftar Sharing meals

-It is a kind gesture to present Muslims with packages of dates or some type of sweet/food during day/after Iftar...

Dangerous traffic hours

Taraweeh!! • Special evening pray only in

Ramadan

• Muslims (adults & children) pray @ mosque

– Mosque Services..

Cars park everywhere during/after Taraweeh @ mosques & malls, completely blocked roads with parked cars is JUST normal

Garangaoo

- Traditional celebration similar festival to Halloween - kids everywhere -14th of Ramadan

Garangao Girga oh song… Give us what God gave you To Mecca he’ll take you The greatly filled Mecca Covered with tassels, gold and light Give us what God have given Abdulla greets you with smiles Please give us a bit of sweets

End of Ramadan…Qiyam

• The last 10 days of Ramadan starts becoming very religious & festive…

• Late night praying (Qyiam pray)

• Shops are open till late time

• People like to shop for Eid

Do’s… @ work

• Before Ramadan…Do not be shy or hesitant to wish Muslims “Ramadan Kareem” …

• Do not get into arguments with

fasting colleagues; be patient

and show consideration for the

long hours of fasting.

Do’s.. @ Elsewhere… • Modest dress & respected behavior

• Rather than be impatient if a question/service is not answered/met immediately, smile & be patient…Demonstrate understanding

• Try to involve yourself in the spirit of the

month. Saying 'Ramadan Kareem‘ &

attending Iftar with other Muslim colleagues,

or visiting local attractions as Souq Waqef,

Katara, etc.

Don’ts... • Eat, smoke, or drink anywhere in

public (including your car) during fasting hours

• Offer a Muslim food or drink during fasting hours believing it is necessary towards hospitality.

• Smoke or have alcoholic beverages in the presence or around a Muslim during Ramadan, even after Iftar..

Don’ts…

• Dance or sing in public at any time, even after sunset when cafe and restaurants are open.

• Play loud music that might disturb your neighbors.

• Display physical affection (hugging, kissing) in public

• Get upset that your neighbors eat and socialize at midnight. The day begins after Iftar (sunset) and it is normal to see individuals up all night.

Some Ramadan Greetings…

Some useful Ramadan phrases:

Ramadan Kareem: Happy Ramadan

Ramadan Mubarak: Ramadan blessings.

Siam Maqbool wa Iftar shahee: Well fasted

and enjoy breaking fast. (to be said at sunset)

Kul sana wa inta tayyib: Every year you are

fine

../My Documents/My Videos/RealPlayer Downloads/Staff views on Ramadan.flv

Don’t !

Enjoy Ramadan experience

Tanks 4 Your Attention

Q & A