DOS
Dress
appropriately
Men and women are expected to dress in an
appropriate manner, not showing too much skin and making sure hemlines and
necklines are modest. So watch before you step out.
Exchange
Ramadan Greetings
While meeting Muslims, it is customary to
use the greeting "Ramadan Kareem" and at the end of Ramadan, during
the Eid celebrations "Eid Mubarak".
Respect
those on fast
Fasting
can result in a change of temperament in some people; therefore be considerate
towards the people around you.
Accept
invitations
If invited to an iftar with friends or
colleagues, do go along and always be on time if not a few minutes early.
Remember not to go empty-handed; desserts are always a good option to offer the
host.
DON'TS
Refrain
from eating or drinking in public places
From dawn to dusk, no one is allowed to
eat, drink or smoke in public places as a sign of respect to those fasting,
therefore those who wish to eat or drink are advised to do so in private
places.
Do
not play loud music
Ramadan is a time for prayer and
spiritual reflection, therefore playing loud music at home or in the car should
be avoided. At the time of Azaan (call to prayer), the sound of music or TV
channels should be put on mute.
Avoid
driving during dusk
During sundown people head home to end
their fast, therefore if it isn't required to be on the road, refrain from
doing so and wait for half an hour.
Do
not swear, shout or get angry in public
Ramadan is a time of patience and
controlling emotions; swearing or any form of outrage is disrespectful to
people as well as to the piousness of the month.
Do
not engage in public displays of affection
It is against the customs of the country
to engage in displays of affection in public, and even more so during the month
of Ramadan.
Do
not offer food or drink
Do not offer a Muslim food or drink
during fasting hours, believing it to be an act of hospitality. They will
understand and appreciate this gesture and not find it offending.
HOW NON-MUSLIMS CAN ENJOY THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN
Ramadan is a month of spirituality, reflection,
sharing and helping those in need. In fact, there are several ways in which
even non-Muslims in the country can participate and imbibe the spirit of the
month. Here are some tips on how you can join in:
Help
the needy and give charity
Ramadan is a month of giving charity to
the needy. This is the perfect occasion to hold a community charity drive to
collect clothes, toys or books, etc. The collected items can then be handed
over to one of many charities in the country.
Hold
an Iftar
Hold an iftar for your Muslim friends and
enjoy every step of the process of preparing this end-of-fast meal. Also invite
those who are away from family and who have not eaten a home-cooked meal for a
long time. Do ensure that all food is halal.
Fast
for a day
Try fasting for a day. See how well you
can control your needs and desires. It will also give you an understanding of
what your Muslim friends and colleagues go through during Ramadan.
Promotions
and activities galore
Shopping malls (extended hours) and
restaurants in the city are offering a wide range of discounts. We say go out
and soak up the spirit.
Time
for some introspection
Ramadan is the perfect time to engage in
introspection and to take a close look at our feelings, thoughts and action,
and resolve to make improvements. How about giving up smoking?
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