Ramadan: understand what it is, curiosities and how to behave in Islamic countries during this period

“Ramadan Mubarak “. It is with this phrase, spoken in Arabic, that the approximately 2 billion Muslims in the world will begin the most important month of the year for Islam: the ramadan . The expression is used to wish that this period – so long awaited by them – will be blessed.

The name Ramadan – or Ramadan (in Portuguese) – is given to the ninth month of the year of islamic religion , governed by the lunar calendar – which has 354 or 355 days. This year, it is scheduled to start March 22 and ends April 21, may vary a day more or less due to the moon.

In religion, every month has a name and the ninth is called Ramadan, which, according to Islam, was the month in which God – in Arabic Allah – revealed the holy book for them, the Koran.

Although lay people think it’s just a period of fast , Ramadan is much more than that. This is the month used by Muslims for reflection, balance and closer ties with God and people around them. It’s like it’s a period for everyone to seek their best versions.

Its general importance should be taken into account by tourists when planning a trip to countries where Islam has a strong presence, such as Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, among others.

“Ramadan is a period when we try to leave everything that is bad behind. Fasting is not only of food, but also of spirit. . In addition to not eating, we need to pay attention to everyday things, such as avoiding touching on bad subjects, talking or hearing bad things about people, among other small everyday actions. We intensify the prayers and it is a period of great joy. These are days of renewal and big changes,” explains Mariam Chami, an influencer who has nearly 800,000 followers on her Instagram.

It is there that the 32-year-old Brazilian and Muslim demystifies many things about religion and brings information to her audience, which she estimates is made up of 90% non-Muslims.

What do tourists need to know about the period?

The issue of food, better known when talking about Ramadan, is an important point indeed. Fasting is strictly followed by Muslims – who must not ingest anything solid, gaseous or liquid from Dawn to Sunset – nor water.

In some countries this can last more or less hours due to climate issues. In Brazil, it should take place between 6am and 6pm – there are an estimated 1.1 million Muslims in the country.

“Fasting is a command given by God and must be followed by all Muslim people who are healthy and fit to withstand this challenge. It is one of the greatest and most sincere adorations of God, because no one can see it”, emphasizes Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh, professor of history, social scientist and religious leader of Islam.

However, this does not cause other activities to be modified or paralyzed during the day. Quite the contrary: the guidance is for everyone to follow their lives normally. Therefore, mainly in countries where tourism is strong, main visitation points remain open .

“There is absolutely no problem in traveling to these countries during Ramadan, but if I could give some advice, I would tell them to choose other times to feel more comfortable and find more local things open, like street food and juice stalls, for example”, adds Sheikh.

If it is the date chosen by the tourist, the religious leader and teacher points out that not eating in the streets during the day is a delicate act and expected by Muslims as a sign of respect. The way of dressing, avoiding exposure of the body, is also seen in a respectful manner. He, however, makes a point of emphasizing that there will never be punishment or hostility to any less attentive tourist.

Are tourist spots open?

Of course, each country and its various cities have particularities regarding openings and closings during Ramadan – very local restaurants and stalls can close during the day, for example. It is recommended to contact the venue directly during the month to confirm if there are any changes, but in general terms everything goes on as normal.

In Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, for example, the vast majority of establishments remain open. Some places even have extended hours so people can shop, socialize and stroll after breakfast.

In addition, the time can be opportune for those who want to get to know the country’s culture better, because during Ramadan there are cultural events throughout the city. The Ramadan Night Market, for example, is a popular night market offering a wide variety of products, such as clothing and decor, as well as a wide variety of culinary options, from traditional Arabic food to international cuisine.

Visitors can also visit the Etihad Museum, dedicated to the history of the United Arab Emirates which, at this time, has a special program.

Shopping malls also offer attractions. In addition to extended opening hours, there are also live entertainment options, such as traditional music and dance performances.

Facts about Ramadan

Brazilian and trained nutritionist Mariam Chami is the daughter of a mother from Minas Gerais and a Lebanese Muslim father. She grew up in a home where she was interested in religion from an early age and always enjoyed talking about it with friends.

She uses her social networks in a didactic and light way to demystify matters of Islam. Video of her that had the most reach was talking – ironically – about how her marriage was “arranged”, drawing good laughs from her followers.

With Ramadan approaching, she intends to release complete content on her networks soon, but she advanced many curiosities in an interview with CNN Travel & Gastronomy .

In one of the first topics, he insisted on breaking a myth that always surrounds the period. “Everyone thinks that Ramadan is a sad and bitter time for Muslims, mainly because of fasting, but the opposite is true. It’s a very happy time, to reconnect with people we like and to celebrate. It’s like Christmas time for Christians, when everyone fraternizes, puts on their best clothes and visits their friends’ houses,” he says.

“I started fasting when I was five years old, when it wasn’t mandatory. Seeing my parents doing it, I thought it was really cool and I started little by little. It is a time when we decorate the house, prepare a delicious dinner and are focused on strengthening our family and ties”, adds Mariam, who had the opportunity to spend the period in Palestine and Jerusalem, in Israel. This year, she intends to visit either Dubai or Turkey.

Find out more about Ramadan, its peculiarities and curiosities:

• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year, governed by the lunar calendar. Duration of 29 or 30 days. It is only possible to know its exact beginning in the predicted week – it can vary from one to two days due to the change of moon.
• Every year its beginning falls around 10 days before the previous year.
• During Ramadan, Muslims must fast from dawn to sunset. During this period, it is not allowed to consume anything solid, gaseous or liquid – including water, whey or even smoking. It is also not allowed to have sex during this period.
• During Ramadan, the day begins before sunrise, with Suhoor – the name given to the pre-fasting breakfast, which can be taken or not. It is recommended that light foods be consumed.
• Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims after puberty, but there are exceptions such as: pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women; people with poor health and people who are not healthy.
• If the Muslim is on a trip, he is also not obliged to do so, and must make up these days on his return.
• The fast should be broken with water or dates. In addition to its high nutritional value, it was a guide given by Allah to the prophet Mohamed.
• Prayers are intensified in this period. In addition to the 5 mandatory ones, there is one more that can be done at home or in mosques after the last one of the day.
• Iftar is the name given to the meal after fasting. Dinners with lots of sweets and different types of typical food are served in the homes of the families, who usually invite friends for the get-together.
• Muslims continue with their routines during this period, being able to carry out their activities normally, such as working.
• There is a festival to celebrate the end of Ramadan called Eid el-Fitr – it is the holiday of breakfast. It represents the Muslim’s success in having managed to fast, overcome his wills and exercise his self-control. It is mandatory to make a donation to people in need, so that they can also celebrate the period like everyone else.
• Remember: when visiting a country with a strong presence of Islam during Ramadan, avoid eating in the streets and wearing clothes with the body showing, respecting the local belief and culture.