Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. That doesn’t mean September. This year, 2012, it will begin on July 20 and end August 18. The Islamic year has twelve lunar months, totalling 355 days. Each month starts on a new moon. This means that Ramadan begins about 10 days earlier each year. The Islamic New Year also advances by 10 days per year (compared with the Gregorian Calendar used in the West). The current Islamic year 1433 began on November 26, 2011 and will end on November 15, 2012.
What is special about Ramadan?
According to tradition, it was during Ramadan that the Archangel Gabriel selected Muhammad to receive and speak the words of Allah which are preserved to this day as the holy Quran. Unlike the Christian Bible which is nearly always read in translation, the Quran is normally read in its original Arabic language. Thus, in Islam, the Quran is especially sacred as the direct word of God. (The classical Arabic of the Quran is of a higher, more complex, form than the Arabic of modern books and newspapers).
What happens during Ramadan?
Muslims mark Ramadan by fasting each day from sunrise to sunset. This is a strict fast – no food and no drink of any sort, not even water. It is hard for smokers, because that too is disallowed, as is any sexual activity while fasting. The faithful rise early in the morning and take a meal, Suhoor, before dawn and first prayers. Their next meal is called Iftar and is taken after the sunset prayer. Within the faith, exceptions are made for the old and infirm, young children and pregnant and nursing mothers.
Throughout Ramadan, families get together to share food and company in the evenings and night-time, and the emphasis is always on reflection, prayer and charity. Ramadan is not a commercialised festival.
Some tips for non-Muslims
You are not obliged to fast, but you are required to respect the traditions. Here are some tips to avoid accidental offence:
• Take a good breakfast in the privacy of your home before venturing out for the day. If you must have lunch, take a packed lunch and find a private place to eat it. Better still, try to do without. Most of us carry a few extra pounds anyway.
• Don’t snack – avoid coffees, sweets, gum, etc. during the day. Most of this is habit, rather than necessity, so it’s a good discipline. You’ll want to drink water. Try to find a private place.
• Try not to smoke. If you really must, find a private place, but also consider why you must!
How to dress – Do’s and Don’ts
In a multicultural country like the Oman, there are many who do not observe the fasting period. But in the true spirit of Ramadan, every resident and tourist needs to respect the local culture and traditions and show consideration for those who are observing the month with fasting and prayer. Here are some simple and creative suggestions for dressing right during Ramadan.
DOs:
• Do wear a cotton jersey shrug or denim jacket over your sleeveless tops and dresses
• Do pair your dresses with jeans, pants or even capris (it is a trendy and popular look)
• Do wear tops and dresses with sleeves (the sleeves could be long).
• Do wear loose and comfortable clothing, which is advisable for the still warm weather anyway.
• Do invest in a pair of loose linen trousers.
• Do wear your low waist jeans and trousers with tunics and tops that cover the hips.
• Do experiment with layering tops, T-shirts and skirts with pants or jeans
• Do opt for longer shirts to wear with your jeans
• Do wear leggings under short dresses and skirts
• Do invest in a basic, flattering silhouette abaya. It is an elegant and handy over garment to be used over any ensemble.
• If you are a Muslim, do dress modestly and try to cover your hair this month with a scarf, wrap, shayla, hijab, hat or bandana.
DON’TS:
• Do not wear tank tops
• Do not wear shorts, short dresses or short skirts in public places
• Do not wear sleeveless garments
• Do not wear tops with a plunging neckline
• Do not wear body hugging clothes
• Do not wear see-through clothing
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