Fact Sheet: Ramadan in Dubai
Ramadan is a significant and sacred month for Muslims around the world, observed as the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is most well-known for its practice of fasting, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam—the core beliefs and practices that all Muslims follow.
Here are the key aspects of Ramadan explained:
Fasting (Sawm)
Abstinence: During Ramadan, adult Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The fast involves refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours.
Intention (Niyyah): The act of fasting requires a specific intention to fast for the sake of God, made each day before dawn.
Spiritual Significance
Holy Revelation: Ramadan is celebrated as the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah (God). This revelation is commemorated on Laylat al-Qadr, or the “Night of Power, ” which is believed to fall within the last ten nights of Ramadan, with particular emphasis on the odd-numbered nights.
Prayer and Reflection: Muslims engage in increased prayer and recitation of the Quran. The nightly Taraweeh prayers are specific to Ramadan and are performed in congregation after the Isha prayer (the last of the five daily prayers).
Charity
Almsgiving: Charity and generosity are especially emphasized during Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to give to the needy and to engage in acts of kindness. This includes the obligatory almsgiving known as Zakat, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and voluntary charity known as Sadaqah.
Feeding those in Need: Providing food to break the fast for others, especially the needy, is highly rewarded in Islam.
Community & Family
Iftar and Suhoor: The fast is broken with a meal called Iftar at sunset, often beginning with the eating of dates and water, followed by a larger meal. Before dawn, Muslims partake in Suhoor, a pre-fasting meal.
Gatherings: There is a strong emphasis on community during Ramadan, with families and friends gathering to break their fasts together and mosques becoming focal points for congregational prayers and activities.
Reflection, Forgiveness & Renewal
Self-Discipline: Fasting serves as a time for self-discipline, self-reflection, and a deeper spiritual connection with Allah.
Forgiveness: Muslims seek forgiveness for past sins, strive to purify themselves through good deeds, and improve their self-discipline and self-control.
Eid-al-Fitr
Celebration: The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and giving of gifts. It is a joyous occasion where Muslims express gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fast and reflect on the spiritual growth achieved during the month.
