One of the Five Acts of Worship in Islam, the Holy
Month of Ramadan is a month of fasting for Muslims that serves to help in
spiritual growth through practicing self-control, discipline, patience and
gratitude. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset and
practice controlling their desires and bad habits in order to reflect on life’s
gifts, appreciate them and find balance. The act of fasting itself is one part
of a bigger exercise in improving one’s character through cleansing the body,
mind and soul, and learning how to let go of grudges, arrogance, vanity and
other poor traits. There is an emphasis on charity, benevolence, compassion and
kindness.
A small meal called Suhoor is
consumed before sunrise. The fast is broken at sunset during Iftar,
with family, friends and loved ones and is a festive affair. The month of
Ramadan is immediately followed by the grand celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr, during
which the entire city is dressed up in all its finery.
Ramadan in Dubai
During Ramadan, life in Dubai can feel slower than
usual, as work timings typically change to accommodate fasting hours that can
be very difficult, considering the unforgiving summer temperatures in Dubai.
Shorter working hours and mid-day breaks are common. For most fasting Muslims,
it’s a time of prayer and spending time with family.
There are Iftars hosted by most
hotels, restaurants and some cultural organizations like the Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU).
From all you can eat buffets and set menus offering a variety of cuisines to
more traditional ones, these vary in ambience and price.
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