Ramadan is here, and if you're a non-Muslim, you may not know that there are certain do's and don'ts to practice and follow during this Holy Month when Muslims will be fasting from dawn to dusk for 29-30 days (depending on the sighting of the moon) without taking any food or water in between for approximately 14 -14.5 hours this year.
Let's tell you what these are so, you're fully prepared.
In Qatar, the common way to greet someone when Ramadan starts is 'Ramadan Mubarak', but in other Arab countries, 'Ramadan Kareem' is also quite common. You can also say 'have a blessed Ramadan', and if you want to know some other ways to greet people, check out our QTip video below. It's really up to you how you want to greet your Muslim friends.
During Ramadan, the working hours are reduced from eight hours to six hours a day to facilitate those that are fasting and make it easier for them. It’s important to respect these working hours and not try to make people who are fasting work longer hours.
During Ramadan, most places are open till late; there’s an air of festivity with lots of Ramadan decorations, different popups, kiosks, night markets, lots of food and so much more. Most restaurants are open till approximately 2:30 am, so you can enjoy a midnight or after midnight snack through home delivery and takeaway only. Please note, that most eateries are closed during the daytime with some exceptions in hotels, so it’s best to call and check.
Ramadan is a time of great joy and festivity in Qatar. There are many Ramadan deals and offers in the malls and many Iftar and Suhoor meal deals in and around Doha.
Check out the Iftar and Sohour offers for Ramadan 2022 HERE!
What better way to be part of the Ramadan festivities than to give gifts or little tokens to your Muslim friends as a show of friendly relations with them. They will love it.
A great way to understand what Muslims feel when they're fasting is to try fasting. You don't have to and, please, don't feel pressurised to do it, but if you want to, why not. Your Muslim friends will appreciate your efforts. In fact, there are many non-muslims here who fast during Ramadan as a sign of solidarity with their Muslim friends.
Ramadan is a joyous month and Muslims love sharing their Iftar with family and friends. So, if you get an invite for Iftar, do accept it and enjoy breaking the fast with your Muslim friends. You'll be treated to lots of delicious and special food!
If you are planning on going out to eat or to an entertainment venue, try to avoid going out an hour before Iftar (sunset) time, because people are hurrying home to break their fast, and traffic is heavy at this time.
According to the law in Qatar, no one – Muslim or non-Muslim - is allowed to eat, drink or even smoke in public during the fasting hours, or you may be fined. That doesn't mean you can't eat at all. It just means that if you are at work, be respectful to those that are fasting and avoid eating in front of them.
If you have any questions about Ramadan and fasting or just want to understand more about it, don't feel shy to ask your Muslim friends for information. They will be happy to clear any doubts, misconceptions or questions you have.
It's considered rude to ask a Muslim if they're fasting or not. There could be many reasons for someone not fasting, and not every Muslim fasts during Ramadan. They may be too young, have a chronic illness that doesn't allow them to fast, they may be pregnant or breastfeeding, or they may just be too old to fast. So, don't judge someone who isn't fasting and assume they aren't following their religious duties.
Avoid extending invitations to those that are fasting before sunset, as they may have to turn down the invitation.
Ramadan is a very holy month for Muslims and, along with fasting, they like to focus on worshipping and being closer to God, so if they turn down some of your invitations, don't get offended. It's not that they want to be rude, it's just that their focus during the month is on praying and being with family more.
Qatar’ authorities urge everyone to dress modestly, especially during Ramadan, out of respect to those who are fasting, especially in restaurants, hotels and malls. Modest dressing includes clothing that’s not too short, tight, or has a low neckline.
Originally written by Nabeela Tariq, updated by Fareeha Imtiaz
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