Start of Ramadan
Today is the start of Islam's Holy Month, Ramadan. After the partial solar eclipse yesterday (- which I failed to witness here in Dubai), the first sighting of the new moon signalled the start of the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar.i All physically fit muslims are required to fast, abstain from smoking, and avoid getting into quarrel or swearing. For us, non-muslims here in UAE, we are not supposed to eat, drink nor smoke in public, especially during the daylight, lest we'd be accosted by the police (- I can deal with that.) However, my flatmates told me that night time can be a different story. All malls and commerciall establishements which were closed partially in daylight, would open until the wee hours of the morning. Night bars, however, would be somewhat restrained (drinking but no dancing?, I have to verify yet.)I look forward to experience Ramadan as this is my first time. For non-muslims like us, it could offer us opportunity to reflect (I cannot find any equivalent celebration in the Christian world but the practice is somewhat similar to the Christian's observance of Lent) and pay respect to one of the most influential faiths in the world today which is Islam.
posted by YelJay @ 11:03 PM
3 Comments:
You will notice a dramatic change in Dubai's nightlife during Ramadan .. malls usally stay till 1 or 2 and you will see cafe's and shisha places poping up everywhere .. they could be a bit overpriced, but they are niec to handout at.
Like you, this will be the first time I will experience ramadan here in Istanbul. It's interesting to hear loud bangs at 4:45 in the morning to remind the people that fasting will begin!
Hi DN,
Are u still in fasting???
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