The early meal: Suhoor
Ahead of dawn, observant Muslims awaken in sleepy camaraderie, to pray, and eat suhoor together, in preparation for a day of fast which starts with the morning Call to Prayer.
While on weekdays Suhoor is usually taken at home with family, weekends see city dwellers head to specially set up tents or restaurants to fuel up before the first light of the day, and the Fajr prayer.
 |
| SEHRI IN DUBAI |
The fast: Siyam
‘Siyam’ loosely translates as ‘to refrain’. During
Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from eating, drinking or smoking between the hours of sunrise and sunset. More than just physical restraint; it also means abstaining from bad thoughts, actions and words.
The fast is a way of cleansing the body and soul from impurities and re-focusing on worship, atonement and expressing gratitude. Fasting is also about putting yourself in the shoes of those less fortunate and promotes participation in charitable activities. At homes, the kitchens get busy in the quiet rhythm of
Iftar preparation.
A matter of respect
Ramadan asks that non-Muslims pay respect to those fasting. Eating, drinking or smoking in public are to be avoided. However, most restaurants remain open, serving behind screens until sundown. Also, bear in mind that businesses might work less hours to accommodate more family time and time for
prayer.
Charity : Zakat
One of the five pillars of Islam, charity is particularly significant during
Ramadan and the Eids. Special initiatives are setup by the government and many organisations and individuals step forward to help share the
Ramadan spirit with those less fortunate
Breaking the fast: Iftar
As the sun sets (Maghrib), a pause falls over the city until the roar of cannons signal the end of the fast, and the proclamation of Iftar.
Dubai joins the world's 1.6 billion Muslims who traditionally break their fast like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did, with a sip of water and some dates.
The prayers : Taraweeh
The Isha (night prayers) and Taraweeh (extended evening prayers during
Ramadan) are offered, and among the last ten days of the holy month, falls the Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of Decree) during which prayer is considered the equivalent of a 1,000 months of worship.
0 comments: