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.