kuberkat
Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman
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Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 5:53 pm Post subject: Ramadhan Expected to Start on Sunday |
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It would appear that the crescent moon could not yet be seen with the naked eye and Ramadhan will begin on Sunday.
During this time, sober modesty is expected, also from foreigners. No eating or drinking, or smoking, are permitted in public.
Ramadhan impacts on business schedules, since most offices close by 2 pm and some shops and offices reopen after the fast is broken in the evening. This may be an inconvenience for newcomers who are still settling in and need these services. To cater for evening feasts, some shops stay open really late (Lulu and Carrefour hypermarkets stay open until around midnight for frenetic shopping.) For those living outside Muscat, it is a good time to take up a time-consuming hobby: days can be long and places are ghost towns between 2 and 6 pm.
Ramadhan can be very taxing to those impacted by but not benefiting from the fast and surrounding beliefs. Best way to ease the pain? Well, when in Rome... it is a time when there is a lot of support to break nasty habits and connect with people, within or without the realm of religion. It may be worth a shot. |
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