Ramadan 101

When

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since this is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, the dates of Ramadan occur 10-11 days earlier each year on the international calendar. The exact start and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the new moon, and the end of Ramadan marks the start of the three day Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The exact start and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the new moon, and the end of Ramadan marks the start if the three day Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Ramadan Times and Dates

Sohour: A meal taken before dawn and the first preayer of the day.

Iftar: The breaking of the fast at sunset (coincides with the fourth daily prayer).

Ghabga: A dinner between Iftar and Sohour, usually taken around 11pm or 12am. For many people it replaces Sohour as a meal.

Garangao: 14th day of Ramadan, marked by the giving of sweets and nuts to children after sunset.

Salat Al-Tarawih: Prayers offered after the usual evening prayers.

Salat Al-Qiam: Late night prayers during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Messaher: Traditionally, in the more populous districts of Doha, the Messaher would have the job of waking people two hours before dawn, in time for Sohour, the last meal before daybreak. The messahher were known for rustling, shaking and beating items to create a noisy atmosphere aimed at waking people up.

Eid-al Fitr: The feast marking the end of Ramadan.

Dress Code

Modest attire (for example, avoiding short skirts, bare arms, etc.) is particularly important during the period of Ramadan.

Other considerations

Residents and visitors are expected to respect local culture by refraining from eatng or drinking in public during fasting hours.

About

Fasting during daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan is the fourth of the five Pillars of Islam, as revealed in the Holy Qur'an.

Greetings of “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) are exchanged at the beginning of the month, and Muslims worldwide abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset throughout Ramadan. Besides fasting, the holy month is also a time devoted to prayer, charity and good deeds.

Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid-al-Fitr, a time of celebration and gratitude.

Ramadan cannon in Qatar : Keeping the tradition alive!

Ramadan cannon in Qatar : Keeping the tradition alive!

Here's where you can spot Ramadan cannons in Doha. Click here to read more!

Read more
What is the Ramadan lantern?

What is the Ramadan lantern?

Ever wondered why you see lanterns all over the place when Ramadan is here? Now you can know why.

Read more
Everything you wanted to know about Ramadan but were too afraid to ask!

Everything you wanted to know about Ramadan but were too afraid to ask!

Here are the answers to some of the questions you just haven't been able to ask about Ramadan. Now you can show off your knowledge and also know why the people around you do what they do during the holy month every year!

Read more
A Non-Muslim's Guide to Ramadan Etiquettes in Qatar

A Non-Muslim's Guide to Ramadan Etiquettes in Qatar

For non-Muslims, you may be wondering about some of the dos and don'ts of this holy month for Muslims. We're here to help!

Read more
Health tip: How to Avoid Overeating During the Holy Month of Ramadan

Health tip: How to Avoid Overeating During the Holy Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for self-discipline and self-control yet many people end their fast with a feast and end up putting on weight during this period of refrainment. Here's a guide on how to avoid complications and nuances caused by overeating.

Read more
Easy and Basic Ramadan Recipes Save the Day!

Easy and Basic Ramadan Recipes Save the Day!

The Holy Month of Ramadan is here and those who are in charge of making sure that the Iftar is perfect, we all know how difficult it is to keep the hungry wolves happy. ILQ being your best friend, we have put together a few recipes that will keep you and your guests happy!

Read more
Ramadan Fashion: Where to Find Jalabiyas and Kaftans

Ramadan Fashion: Where to Find Jalabiyas and Kaftans

This is the season for jalabiyas (long embellished dresses), which are stylish, elegant, and comfortable, and kaftans (similar to jalabiyas but a little more casual). They are usually priced very differently ranging from a couple hundred riyals to a couple thousand for the more elaborately designed ones.

Read more
Why Garangao is one of Ramadan’s most one-of-a-kind celebrations

Why Garangao is one of Ramadan’s most one-of-a-kind celebrations

Marking the mid-way point of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Garangao is one of the more unique Gulf traditions, where festivities, games, gifts, and treats for children are doled out to celebrate their achievement at fasting. ILQ’s Rumana Shaikh breaks down the Top 5 customs of Garangao , which will fall on Friday, June 9, 2017, and tells you which activities you can look forward to this weekend!

Read more
How to stay healthy and fit while fasting this Ramadan

How to stay healthy and fit while fasting this Ramadan

As we welcome the annual celebration of Ramadan, ILQ helps you find out how you can stay active, healthy, and avoid over-indulging around all those sweet temptations on offer! So give us a click and read on!

Read more
Staples of Ramadan: The top 10 health benefits of dates

Staples of Ramadan: The top 10 health benefits of dates

We see them everywhere across Arabia and, for centuries, the mighty date has long been a staple that’s sustained its civilizations. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates due to their rich sugar content. However, there are many other health benefits to this majestic fruit that you may not know of…. Want to know more? Give us a click!

Read more
How expats embrace Ramadan in Qatar

How expats embrace Ramadan in Qatar

Whether you’re a Muslim who’s observing Ramadan, or a non-Muslim expat learning more about its traditions for the first time, Qatar’s diverse community embraces the Holy Month in a variety of ways. ILQ’s Wajeeha Malik shows us how we all can celebrate in its customs.

Read more
Your weekly acts of kindness for a benevolent Ramadan

Your weekly acts of kindness for a benevolent Ramadan

Can’t get enough of ILQ’s acts of kindness for Ramadan? Want to try to master them all, together with your friends and family? Or, are you simply challenging yourself to be the very best and kindest? Click here for our second week of good deeds you can be practicing this Ramadan.

Read more
Sunrise to sunset: A day in the life of a Muslim family during Ramadan

Sunrise to sunset: A day in the life of a Muslim family during Ramadan

Ever wondered how people from different backgrounds celebrate Ramadan in Qatar? Here are some insights into a Bengali household’s Ramadan traditions brought to you by ILQ’s Nushrat Anjum.

Read more
Ramadan insights: Who is exempt from fasting?

Ramadan insights: Who is exempt from fasting?

There are many misconceptions about who fasts during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and who doesn’t. Who is exempt from fasting? What are the reasons for not fasting? Does every Muslim fast, no matter the health consequences? Definitely not. Instead of listing everyone who must fast, ILQ explores those who don’t have to, or are even prohibited from fasting during Ramadan!

Read more
Ramadan health-link: How to fast safely when you have diabetes

Ramadan health-link: How to fast safely when you have diabetes

For those living with diabetes, the Holy Month of Ramadan poses its own set of challenges. Is there a safe way to observe your fast while managing your diabetes? ILQ sat down with Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director of the Qatar Diabetes Association to find out!

Read more
Top 5 Ramadan apps for an easier, more productive Holy Month!

Top 5 Ramadan apps for an easier, more productive Holy Month!

If you've been behind with your prayers or fitness during Ramadan, download these apps and make the most of the last few days of the Holy month!

Read more
Top 5 Ramadan essentials in a Muslim household

Top 5 Ramadan essentials in a Muslim household

Time is flying by and we're almost halfway through with Ramadan! In the spirit of the Holy month, here are some of the behaviors and practices that are unique to households celebrating Ramadan!

Read more
Visiting mosques in Qatar: A short guide for expats

Visiting mosques in Qatar: A short guide for expats

Non-Muslim expats in Qatar looking to learn more about Islam, a tour or visit to a mosque can be a great place to start – and Doha is home to several that are popular destinations for tourists due to their architectural marvels. ILQ’s Wajeeha Malik shows you how to organize a tour and what cultural etiquette tips to keep in mind.

Read more
Activities Everyone Can Partake in During Ramadan

Activities Everyone Can Partake in During Ramadan

Many people might wonder what kind of things they can do during the holy month of Ramadan. During the day, most stores and restaurants are closed and a majority of Qatar’s population fasts until sunset. Many who...

Read more
Life hacks for an easy Ramadan in Qatar

Life hacks for an easy Ramadan in Qatar

Here, we’ve put together some life hacks for Ramadan in Qatar we feel will help you get through the month feeling healthier, happier and closer to your spiritual side and a lot more active.

Read more
How one Qatar-based author is bringing the story of Eid Al-Fitr to the world

How one Qatar-based author is bringing the story of Eid Al-Fitr to the world

When Doha-based expat Omer Naqi sat down to write his first children’s book, little did he know that an international road-show was in the cards. The idea behind the My Eid Mubarak Storybook was one of celebration and education and, after a recent Ramadan book reading at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, ILQ sat down with Naqi to learn more about its impact.

Read more
What happens to your body when you fast during Ramadan?

What happens to your body when you fast during Ramadan?

Tomorrow (May 6) is officially the first day of Ramadan 2019! Because of this, we want to ask: Are the effects of not consuming food and water beneficial or harmful? Find out by clicking here!

Read more
Must try Arabic dishes during Ramadan in Qatar

Must try Arabic dishes during Ramadan in Qatar

How familiar are you with Qatari/Arabic dishes? See what food you must try during this Ramadan!

Read more
Top five local desserts to eat this Eid

Top five local desserts to eat this Eid

Qatar is home to some amazing desserts, and when it's Eid time, you'll find many of the more traditional Qatari ones in people's homes to celebrate this special and festive occasion.

Read more
Must try Arabic dishes during Ramadan in Qatar

Must try Arabic dishes during Ramadan in Qatar

Here are some of the popular must-try dishes that different Qatari households eat during Ramadan and you must try at least once in order to fulfill your experience of Qatar.

Read more
What is Ghabga during Ramadan?

What is Ghabga during Ramadan?

You may think Iftar (breaking the fast at sunset) and Suhour (meal before fasting starts at sunrise) are the only meals served during Ramadan, but Ghabga is also a meal served during Ramadan in Qatar and other Arab countries, which definitely deserves a mention.

Read more

Advertise Your Event

Got a Ramadan event to share?
Let us know and we'll spread the word!

Advertise

Register

Stay in the know with the latest news and updates from iLoveQatar.net

Register