Ramadan Kareem

The moon spotting committee (I jest not) went out last night and saw the moon. So this is the start of the Holy Month of RAMADAN. For persons of the Muslim faith it is a period of fasting and prayer for the purification of soul and body.

Brief Summary of local customs and rules during Ramadan

Every non-Muslim is expected to show respect to the fasting Muslim community. In Abu Dhabi this is more strictly adhered to than Dubai. When I first came here I heard stories of police arresting people for drinking water or eating in public (I don't believe this, but best not to test it). A few local customs and rules to be observed:

* Smoking, drinking and /or eating (including chewing gum) in public during the hours from sunrise to sunset are prohibited.
* Everyone should dress modestly (no shorts during Iftars)
* Most restaurants are closed during day time (including fast food)
* It is not possible to purchase alcohol from the liquor stores during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Some things to note during Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan, which is considered one of the highest forms or worship, is obligatory for those Muslims past the age of puberty who are mentally and physically fit and not travelling, as long as it does not cause them physical or mental harm. The fast ends immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at the Maghrib Adhan (call to prayer). Traditionally the fast is ended with dates and water and is the time when friends and family come together (for a mad rush for food).
Exercise greater patience with reference to prolonged time-frames introduced to business and daily life transactions, caused by the shorter working hours during Ramadan (six hour days yippee). Do not get into arguments with those who are fasting: be patient and show consideration for the long hours of fasting.
Congratulate and greet Muslim colleagues/friends by saying Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims.

Attending a fast-breaking feast, or Iftar, it a must, it is a social occasion and everyone is invited.
Traditionally the fast is broken with dates and some milk before enjoying harira (Moroccan soup). Soup is often followed by hot and cold mezzeh, with dishes such as fattoush (salad with fried pita bread), hommous, sambusek (pastry stuffed with cheese or meat) and kibbeh (ground meat and bulgar wheat). The centrepiece of most iftar buffets is ouzi, a large dish consisting of lamb that is covered with liquid and cooked on a bed of rice. The array of desserts is also vast with Arabic treats such as baklava (a sweet pastry with chopped nuts and syrup or honey) and my favourite umm ali (an Arabic version of the British bread and butter pudding).

A little disappointed this morning when discovering that I had bought zaatar croissants instead of butter ones to go with my jam.