In the UAE
fasting at a later date. Women should
not fast during menstruation but make
up those days after Ramadan.
Iftar
Iftar is the time when fasting ends for
the day. It is not the time to have a large
feast as traditionally, the meal was to
have a few dates and water. Later in the
evening, it becomes more festive with
larger meals enjoyed amongst family
and friends after Magreb prayers
(magrib,
maghgreb,
maghgrib).
Maghrib prayers are the prayers held
at Iftar time. All mosques offer free
Iftar meals to the less privileged within
the society, whether they are Muslims
or not. Charities, companies or
individuals may sponsor these meals.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in
Abu Dhabi is credited with having one
of the largest Iftar gatherings in their
car park. Many hotels and restaurants
will also have special Iftar tents where
customers can have a simple or more
complex meal (prices vary).
It should be noted that almost all
restaurants and cafes will be closed
during the day but many will extend
their opening hours at night. There
might be a few eating outlets open
during the day for dine-in customers
in larger hotels and shopping centres.
Some fast food restaurants allow drivethrough or take-outs. Supermarkets
are normally open during the day
and have extended hours at night sometimes till midnight or even later.
Also, Shopping centres are open
during the day and an extra hour or
two at night. Closing times might be
as late as midnight or 1:00am.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the first day of the Islamic
month of Shawwal. It marks the end of
Ramadan, which is a month of fasting
and prayer. Many Muslims attend
communal prayers and listen to a
khutba (sermon) during Eid al-Fitr. It
is a time to celebrate with family and
friends the completion of a month of
blessings and joy. Before the day of Eid,
during the last few days of Ramadan,
each Muslim family gives a determined
amount as a donation to the poor.
This donation is of actual food -- rice,
barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that
the needy can have a holiday meal and
participate in the celebration. This
donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr
(charity of fast-breaking).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather
early in the morning in outdoor
locations or mosques to perform the
Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon
followed by a short congregational
prayer. After the Eid prayer, Muslims
usually visit various family and friends,
give gifts (especially to children) and
make phone calls to distant relatives to
give well-wishes for the holiday. These
activities traditionally continue for
three days. In most Muslim countries,
the entire 3-day period is an official
government/school holiday.
Sources: http://www.dubaifaqs.com/
ramadan-in-dubai.php
Eid al-Fitr: http://islam.about.com/od/
ramadan/f/eid_fitr.htm
After The Bell
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