Ramadan 2017
About Ramadan
The Holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important times in a year for people who follow Islam. It falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is believed to be the month when the Qu’ran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammed. According to history, Ramadan is considered the holiest month by Muslims because it was also the time when all other Islamic scriptures were sent down from heaven.
During Ramadan, Muslims undertake fasting for a month. The fasting is not only refraining from food and beverages, but also remain abstinent from sexual activities, foul language, impure thoughts and other worldly vices. During the fast, Muslims believe that their desires are curbed and that they can gain understanding of how those who are less privileged than them feel. It is considered to increase one’s patience, closeness to God and generosity towards others.
Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s prayers. Many Muslims dress more conservatively during Ramadan and spend more time at the mosque than at any other time of the year.Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Ramadan 2017 Dates
Ramadan will tentatively be observed in UAE between 26th May and 24th June, 2017. The dates are subject to change according to moon sightings. The fast will begin at sunrise and will be broken at sunset. Typically in UAE, the fast commences at 5 AM and ends at 7 PM, though exact timings vary according to the sunrise and sunset of the day.
Exemptions for Fasting
Children, people who are sick or who have mental illness, elderly people, travellers and women who are menstruating , postnatal , pregnant or breastfeeding do not have to fast.
People exempt from fasting during Ramadan can make up the missed fasts later. But if a person is not able to fast at all – particularly if that is for health reasons – can compensate by feeding a needy person for each day they do not fast.
Learn More About Ramadan in UAE:
