During the holiest month of the Islamic year, people abstain from food and drink.It is a time of prayer and reflection.In recent years, the age-old religious traditions have begun to mix with the values of a more modern world.You'll need to understand and respect this heritage if you're visiting during the holy month.Follow the locals when in doubt.
Step 1: You should respect the holy month of Ramadan.
This tradition is important to Muslims regardless of their beliefs.Try to honor the culture when you're in the area.During the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, it is a sacred time for Muslims around the world.Most Muslims believe that the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during the holiest month of the year.This holy month marks the beginning of revelations from God.
Step 2: Know when the holiest month of the year begins.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, known as Ramadan, varies from year to year on the Gregorian calendar.The Islamic calendar is in tune with the moon, while the western one is not.You can find out the first day of Ramadan by running a simple web search.The Muslim calendar states that a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day.If Ramadan falls on the 6th of June, believers will observe the month after sundown.The Western calendar has a 10 day earlier start to the holy month of Ramadan.In the last three years, it began on June 29th, June 18th and June 9th.
Step 3: You can watch how believers act.
During the holiest month of the year, Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, or have sex between the hours of dawn and dusk.Many believers take this time to give up bad habits.Some people read the Qur'an to deepen their faith.The general mood is abstinence, penance, and clarity.You don't need to fast or show religious fervor as a visitor.It's enough to respect and appreciate the culture.Do not encourage those who are practicing any sort of abstaining during this time.
Step 4: There are other important dates in the Islamic calendar.
Islam is the main religion in the city.Islamic religious holidays are a big deal in the U.A., so it may help to know what else to expect.The Prophet's birthday, the start of Ramadan, and the two "Eid" holidays are important dates in the Islamic calendar.
Step 5: Modesty is what you should dress modestly.
During the month of Ramadan, both men and women are expected to dress conservatively.Show as little skin as possible.Don't wear revealing necklines, wear only modest makeup, and cover your knees and shoulders.It's a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing.If you are female, cover your head with a scarf.The purpose of this garb is to reduce the risk of temptation.If you enter a mosque, you should dress modestly.This holds true even when it's not in effect.
Step 6: Be respectful of practicing Muslims.
People will be abstaining from food and water from dawn to dusk in order to resist temptations.Don't do something in front of someone who is trying to abstain from a certain habit.You may find yourself in trouble with the police if you offend the locals.Do your best to keep the peace.In general, do not make a lot of noise in public spaces.Don't swear in public.Loud noises may disturb the peace during the holy month of Ramadan, which is a time for prayer and spiritual reflection.Fasting can wreak havoc on a person's eating and sleeping habits, so some locals might be more angry than usual.This is part of the experience.Be patient with everyone you meet.
Step 7: Be generous.
Giving money to a good cause can be a great way to get into the holiday spirit.If you want to help an organization, look into volunteering and donating.Service workers should be tipped extra.
Step 8: Business hours change during the holy month.
The working hours are shorter this month.People tend to stay up late at night and then sleep in the afternoon to handle their hunger.Coffee shops and restaurants are closed from dawn to dusk.Bars, clubs, and live music venues typically close down, so you may need to find another way to keep yourself busy.On the streets, be careful.When people are going out to dinner, the roads will be busy.The rate of traffic accidents in the U.S. increases dramatically during the holy month of Ramadan.Don't worry about finding food.Food and drinks are free at hotels, airports, and other traveler-specific spaces during the day.
Step 9: Don't smoke or eat in public places.
Smoking is not allowed in most public areas during the month of Ramadan, and you can draw attention to yourself if you smoke in private spaces.Do not smoke around practicing Muslims, some of whom might be trying to abstain from cigarettes for the month.Eating and drinking in front of Muslims is not a crime, but it is considered disrespectful.
Step 10: There is a unique way in which the month of Ramadan is celebrated.
One of the busiest metropolitan areas in the world has people adopting western customs at a rapid pace.During the holy month of Ramadan, there is a colorful mix of religious tradition and modern culture.Bars and nightclubs close down, public concerts are banned, and the city comes alive inside traditional Iftar tents.
Step 11: Enjoy Iftar meals.
People gather at Iftar celebrations in traditional Arabian tents.There is a rich array of food and drink in the majili and jaima tents.People come around to socialize after the daily fast ends.These celebrations can be held in a home or at a restaurant.Large tents in the streets or near mosques give out free meals to those in need.If you don't know any locals, take your friends or family to a hotel-based Iftar tent in the evening.Drink mint tea, coffee, and Arabic delicacies as you relax and absorb the culture.This is a great way to experience the holy month.Do not pass up the chance to attend an Iftar dinner.Bring a box of dates or another Arabic dessert as a gesture of good faith to your host, as it is considered rude to come empty-handed.
Step 12: Give good wishes during the holy month of Ramadan.
Use the community spirit to your advantage."Generous Ramadan" is what the phrase "Ramadan Greet Kareem" means.greet people with "Eid Mubarak" at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.Eye-eed moo-bah-rock.These phrases are similar to "Happy Holidays."You may stand out more if you don't use these greetings.
Step 13: You should go shopping.
Muslims don't spend a lot during the days of fast, but they still go to malls and shops after sundown.Malls in the U.S. are often open until well past midnight during the days leading up to Christmas.Business owners usually have a lot of deals and promotions.Flight booking, hotel reservation, and short-stay apartment reservation are just a few of the promotions that may extend beyond retail stores and restaurants.Purchase a house or sign a lease during the holy month.This month is a very special time for people in the region, and the burgeoning economy means that skyrocketing housing prices are one of the biggest issues facing the public.Anyone who buys or signs a lease during the holy month can pay the current rent for a full year without worry.
Step 14: Let loose during the three-day "Eid" celebrations.
It is a month-long spiritual fast during the holy month of Ramadan.The breaking of a fast is a cause for celebration.Celebrations and partying are the order of the day in the city during the three days after Ramadan.It is best to follow the lead of the locals and go with the flow.You can have a good time once everyone starts partying.