What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a major holiday in the Arab and Muslim world. It is a period of time (around a month) set aside for fasting, philanthropy, and prayer. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is during the latter part of the summer this year. The exact dates are announced based off of sightings of the crescent moon. For this month, people fast collectively from sunrise to sunset. In my experience, Ramadan generates a spirit of solidarity among people who are fasting.
What to Expect:
During Ramadan, many shops and businesses will operate on truncated business hours. Restaurants and food stands will be closed after the morning call to prayer until the evening call signifies the end of the day's fasting.
Etiquette:
In Jordan, whether you are Muslim or non-Muslin, you are discouraged from eating or drinking in public during the day. Of course, you are free to cook, eat, and drink in your apartment or other non-public areas. However, it is important to be considerate of others who are fasting by avoiding eating or drinking around them. If you attend classes for example, most people who are fasting will be good-natured and not say anything to you about eating or drinking. However, eating food in front of a hungry person is generally bad manners in any country.
I actually recommend that you attempt fasting for a least one day if you are not Muslim, so you can experience the tradition firsthand. When I was in Jordan during Ramadan, I fasted with some of my colleagues (both Muslim and non-Muslim). It gave us an opportunity to connect with each other and locals, who we invited over for the evening meal, or الإفطار. It also places you in the situation of disadvantaged people who go hungry every day as a matter of course. Personally, I think it is a valuable experience that gives you insights into the surrounding culture.
Ramadan is a major holiday in the Arab and Muslim world. It is a period of time (around a month) set aside for fasting, philanthropy, and prayer. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is during the latter part of the summer this year. The exact dates are announced based off of sightings of the crescent moon. For this month, people fast collectively from sunrise to sunset. In my experience, Ramadan generates a spirit of solidarity among people who are fasting.
What to Expect:
During Ramadan, many shops and businesses will operate on truncated business hours. Restaurants and food stands will be closed after the morning call to prayer until the evening call signifies the end of the day's fasting.
Etiquette:
In Jordan, whether you are Muslim or non-Muslin, you are discouraged from eating or drinking in public during the day. Of course, you are free to cook, eat, and drink in your apartment or other non-public areas. However, it is important to be considerate of others who are fasting by avoiding eating or drinking around them. If you attend classes for example, most people who are fasting will be good-natured and not say anything to you about eating or drinking. However, eating food in front of a hungry person is generally bad manners in any country.
I actually recommend that you attempt fasting for a least one day if you are not Muslim, so you can experience the tradition firsthand. When I was in Jordan during Ramadan, I fasted with some of my colleagues (both Muslim and non-Muslim). It gave us an opportunity to connect with each other and locals, who we invited over for the evening meal, or الإفطار. It also places you in the situation of disadvantaged people who go hungry every day as a matter of course. Personally, I think it is a valuable experience that gives you insights into the surrounding culture.
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