It is a whole month of abstaining from food, drink and impure thoughts between the horse of sunrise (Fajr) and sunset, this act allows an individual to be able to understand the pain and suffering of millions around the world who live their lives in poverty and famine, which will leave the participant feeling more grounded and grateful for all that Allah (swt) has given them in life.
Ramadan is not just a month of fasting and abstaining from things considered to be impure for the mind and body, it is a time for self-reflection and closeness to Allah (swt). After this one whole month, Eid will then come to the picture.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
This is the time after the Ramadan for feasting and celebration of muslims, with gifts exchanged between loved ones. This marks the end of the month-long-dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan and is often called “Festival of Breaking the Fast”.
The timing of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr is different every year as it is based on the lunar cycle. It does not begin until a new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times for different muslims around the world.
When is Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2024?
The holy month is estimated to start by Tuesday, March 12, according to the astronomical calculations and the Islamic Festival “Eid Al Fitr” may be a six-day holiday for residents. If we look at the astronomical calculations, March 11 is the time when the Crescent Moon is quite visible to the naked eye in many regions, which suggests that March 12 is most likely the start of Ramadan.
If this is really the case, Ramadan 30 will fall on Wednesday, April 10. As per the list of holidays announced by the UAE government for public and private sectors, residents will get a break from Ramadan 29 till Shawwal 3 to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
A total solar eclipse will be seen on April 8 though,where the Moon will cover the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth which raises concerns that the celestial event would affect the sighting of the Moon to determine the dates of Eid Al Fitr.
Weather Changes in UAE During Ramadan
Typically, the weather in UAE during Ramadan is “warm to hot” with increasing temperatures with days passing by.
The daily routine of the residents during the holy month will be different than the rest of the year, with work hours and school schedules and paid parking hours adjusted.
Reduced work hours applies to both fasting and non-fasting employees as this helps employees be part of the month’s spiritual activities and cultural practices with the government typically announcing the actually reduced working hours for both the public and private sectors. Expect a two-hour reduction in your workday, with Government offices often closing early, working hours for public sector employees reduced to six instead of the usual eight hours.
During this month, most schools will be closed during the first three weeks of the holy month. Institutions will be closed for either the spring or end-of-term break around this period.
Paid Parking, Stores and Restaurants
Paid parking hours will be modified depending on the city in the UAE which will be announced closer to the holy month. Last year, Sharjah applied fees from 8am to midnight Saturday to Thursday.
While there’s no requirement for non-muslims to avoid eating and drinking in public during the day, an individual is recommended to choose to do so out of respect for those participating in the fasting month.
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