[1: 311 of 10,000] Holy Month of Ramadan

Today is the beginning of Ramadan for our Muslim brothers. Being in United Arab Emirates, we would have a sense of participation for the event and here were my observations having to experience it for the 4th time:

• Ramadan Kareem is usually a greeting which means Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar that lasts about a month and Kareem is generous.
• This year this event is for the whole month of August 2011; which is quite challenging because it is at the same time for the hottest season of summer.
• Special prayer timings are out for Muslim as guide.
• Office timings are reduced to 6 hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM without lunch break.)
• Restaurants don’t serve food to public until sunset or it’s Iftar time.
• Rich families give free food during Iftar especially the royal families. One of my favorite scenes in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E wherein free food was served in a pretty huge man-built tent.
• Tickets for charities are abundant.
• People are usually calm and kind.

This season truly reminds me how respectful I am to tradition but more so on the dedication on praying, fasting, and being generous to others. A blessed Ramadan indeed for everyone!