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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:43 pm Post subject: Ramadan etiquette |
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Ramadan begins on June 29 this year. Although this article is a couple of years old, it's still relevant.
Ramadan rules and regulations for non-Muslims
Yahoo! Maktoob | Jul 18, 2012
Source: https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/ramadan-rules-and-regulations-for-non-muslims-20120718.html
During the 30 days of Ramadan, fasting Muslims around the world will observe strict rules, including abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations between sunrise and sunset.
Non-Muslims, too, will be expected to respect the local culture in many Islamic countries, and should be aware of certain rules and regulations…
- There are strict fines in some Islamic countries, as well as possible jail time, for eating, drinking, smoking and even chewing gum in public – including in their own cars - during daylight hours. In the UAE, for instance, fines can range from AED2,000-2,500 and/or a one- or two-month jail sentence. Getting let off with a warning is a possibility, but not guaranteed. In Egypt, citizens and foreigners can be arrested for a misdemeanour offence if caught, while in Indonesia penalties can include flogging.
- While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, showing courtesy and consideration for those who are fasting is expected.
- During the day, non-Muslims can eat in designated areas, usually behind screens. Some hotels, shopping mall food courts and restaurants will remain open – but discreetly – so it is best to plan ahead by calling them to find out. Most outlets will deliver food during the day as well.
- Similarly, most offices have designated areas where you can eat or drink. It is considered common courtesy not to do so in front of your fasting colleagues.
- Learning a few Ramadan greetings can show your respect for the Islamic culture. In Arabic, it is customary to say "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak", which basically translates into "May you have a generous/ blessed Ramadan".
- Do accept Iftar invitations from friends or colleagues, as this will provide you with a way of learning more about the customs and traditions of Ramadan.
- Ramadan is a month for peace and piety, so abstain from swearing and using offensive language or gestures in public, as this is considered disrespectful.
- Ramadan is also a time for giving and charity, so do your bit by donating to your favourite charity or volunteering.
- Because fasting also includes abstaining from sexual contact, any public displays of affection are considered disrespectful, too.
- Modest dress is advisable, so do cover up. Women should wear loose, long-sleeved tops and knee-length skirts or trousers, while men should wear long trousers.
- Work hours for most banks, offices and government organisations will be reduced by at least two hours, so make sure you find out the new timings. Public transport schedules (such as for the Dubai Metro) and paid parking hours will also change during the month.
- Live music is banned in public places during Ramadan but recorded music may be allowed. While bars remain open at night, most night clubs are closed. Likewise, playing loud music either in cars or in private residences is considered impolite and should be avoided.
- Some Muslims are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, so do not be surprised to see them eating as usual. These include the sick, elderly, pre-pubescent children, nursing mothers, pregnant or menstruating women and travellers.
(End of article) |
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caliph
Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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During Ramadan it is extremely dangerous to drive in the hour or so before the end of the fast. Especially now, with very long fasting times, fasters are in a crazed state to get home to break the fast. They haven't eaten or drank for 14 or so hours, so their reasoning may not be functioning at a high level.
Be extremely careful and drive defensively if you are on the road.
Also, in the UAE, (and probably elsewhere on the peninsula), drunk driving arrests among local nationals is higher than the rest of the year.
Ramadam Karim! |
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The Fifth Column
Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 331 Location: His habitude with lexical items protrudes not unlike a damaged pollex!!!
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Also, in the UAE, (and probably elsewhere on the peninsula), drunk driving arrests among local nationals is higher than the rest of the year. |
Oh! You must be new to this part of the world. Alcohol is absolutely forbidden to Muslims...especially during Ramadan! |
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caliph
Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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You think? |
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The Fifth Column
Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 331 Location: His habitude with lexical items protrudes not unlike a damaged pollex!!!
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Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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So I've been told. |
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plumpy nut
Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:07 am Post subject: |
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The Fifth Column wrote: |
Quote: |
Also, in the UAE, (and probably elsewhere on the peninsula), drunk driving arrests among local nationals is higher than the rest of the year. |
Oh! You must be new to this part of the world. Alcohol is absolutely forbidden to Muslims...especially during Ramadan! |
Alcohol is forbidden period in the KSA, it doesn't keep them from driving and drinking in the KSA. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 5:00 am Post subject: |
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The point is for expats not to be out violating the law. Focusing on what the nationals do is moot. |
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The Fifth Column
Joined: 11 Jun 2014 Posts: 331 Location: His habitude with lexical items protrudes not unlike a damaged pollex!!!
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 3:46 pm Post subject: |
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Where is the inimitable (unnamed board member) for probing, in-depth queries of this issue? |
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caliph
Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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At a post Iftar darts competition at "The" Club in Abu D., some Emiraties won, they got a trophy cup which they filled with Johnny Walker (Black) of course, and passed it around until it was empty.
Normally the Emiraties would wrap a damp paper napkin (serviette) around their glass in the belief that the almighty would not see the contents of the glass. |
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SirAristede
Joined: 26 May 2014 Posts: 83 Location: Salmiya, Al 'Āşimah, Kuwait
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 6:47 pm Post subject: |
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The Fifth Column wrote: |
Where is the inimitable (unnamed board member) for probing, in-depth queries of this issue? |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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I live in a place where no one is even aware of the existence of Ramadan ! |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 11:49 pm Post subject: |
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caliph wrote: |
Normally the Emiraties would wrap a damp paper napkin (serviette) around their glass in the belief that the almighty would not see the contents of the glass. |
It is not the almighty that they are worried about, but their non-drinking fellow Muslims. After all, a Haj clears all the sins away with the almighty...
I find it all rather similar to the Victorians... all is well as long as it is behind closed doors and no one see you.
VS
(and there is the detail that nowadays, in the US, Christmas starts sometime in September with the decorations in the stores and carols and the ads ads ads...) |
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caliph
Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland
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Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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Non drinking muslims are not usually found at "The" Club.
Drinking muslims come here because they feel more relaxed than in hotels where they may encounter non-drinking friends.
"The" Club has seven bars, but the locals tend to congregate in the Al Sarab, which serves arab food.
http://www.the-club.com/facilities/diningentertainment/alsarab |
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Pikgitina
Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA
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Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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caliph wrote: |
"The" Club has seven bars, but the locals tend to congregate in the Al Sarab, which serves arab food. |
And you can smoke there. |
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2buckets
Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East
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Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:07 pm Post subject: |
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You can smoke everywhere except the beach. They put up a wall of tarps to block the view from the sea, so you can eat, drink and smoke all day if you choose. A few activities normally banned during Ramadan are not permitted.
Every year they must get permission from the powers that be to do this, so it may vary from year to year.
Ramadan Karim! |
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