Ramadan Kareem to all Muslim around the world! Today is the first day of Ramadan, where the astronomical new moon was sighted last night.

To those who are not Muslim and new here in Dubai, most probably they have heard the word Ramadan but have not really experience how the month of Ramadan differs from the rest of the month.

Now, what is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast. Muslims all over the world abstain from any types of food even chewing gum or candies, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Fasting is the most important event of this month. During Ramadan, Muslims will get up before dawn to eat then they perform a prayer. They have to stop eating and drinking before the call for prayer starts until the fourth prayer of the day.

Remember these Do’s and don’t during Ramadan to avoid paying fines of AED2,000 or imprisonment.

• Don’t smoke, drink or eat in public during the hours of sunrise to sunset. This includes while you are driving as well as in public places such as shopping malls.
• Do smoke, drink and eat in the privacy of your home or hotel room.
• Don’t be overly rowdy. Keep stereos on low volume while driving, on the beach or in your house, so as not to disturb your Muslim neighbors.
• Do give food to the poor. Ramadan is renowned for its charitable nature.
• Do get sociable in the evenings for Iftar.
• Do say Ramadan Kareem.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan that is expected to be on September 11.