It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! And Ramadan Is Here!
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It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! And Ramadan Is Here!
Christians have Christmas; Jews have Hanukkah, and Muslims? Well, they have Ramadan! This is the holiest month of the year for Muslims, one filled with blessings, forgiveness, and opportunities for growth.
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time when Muslims come together to celebrate their faith and strengthen their bonds with one another. It is a time of joy and happiness, where Muslims focus on deepening our relationship with Allah and those around us.
This year, Ramadan begins on the evening of April 2nd and ends on the evening of May 2nd. Muslims around the world will come together to follow specific rituals, including fasting during daylight hours, charity, praying 5 times a day, and reading the Quran daily.
Primarily, Ramadan is a month of fasting, where Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. This is an opportunity to learn self-discipline and to feel closer to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. But it's also a time of reflection and growth, where Muslims are encouraged to give back to their communities and help those who are less fortunate. After all, isn't that what life is all about? Helping others and doing good deeds?
What Are The Benefits Of Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time of great blessings, both for the individual and for the community. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits of Ramadan:
What Are The Health Benefits of Fasting?
Fasting is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. When you fast, your body is forced to use its stored energy, which can lead to weight loss and decreased cholesterol levels. But that's not all! Fasting can also:
So, if you're looking for a way to improve your health, fasting is definitely a great option!
Do Businesses' Working Hours Change in Ramadan?
As Ramadan approaches, many Muslims worldwide will begin to prepare for the month-long celebration. This includes stocking up on food and drinks, as well as preparing for the daily rituals that are specific to Ramadan.
One question that often comes up during Ramadan is whether or not businesses' working hours change. The answer is... it depends! In some Muslim-majority countries, the government will decree that businesses' working hours be changed during Ramadan. However, there is no set rule in other countries, so it's up to the business owner to decide what works best for them.
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If businesses do change their hours, you should expect that some may close earlier than usual, while others may open later. In general, it's best to call ahead and ask about specific hours of operation.
Showing Respect to Those Fasting?
For a non-faster trying to do business in the Middle East during this holiest of months, there are several key considerations:
Keep business in the morning. Business hours will be shortened for most during Ramadan, with many places closing by early afternoon. Try to do all-important meetings and transactions in the morning.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public. It is considered very impolite to do any of these activities in public view – and can even be offensive to those fasting. Save your meals and breaks for private areas.
Be conscious of language and conversation topics. Many subjects are seen as taboo during Ramadan, as they might discuss food, drink, or other things that could tempt those fasting. Try to stick to safe, neutral topics of conversation.
Be patient and understanding. This is a time of spiritual reflection for many Muslims – so be understanding if people are not as responsive or quick as usual. Remember that it is not easy to go without food or drink for an entire day.
Key Greetings of the Season?
Ramadan Kareem!?
Ramadan Mubarak
May the blessings of Ramadan be with you all throughout the year. These are all common greetings during Ramadan. They mean "Happy Ramadan!" "Blessed Ramadan!"
Eid Al-Fitr
Many Muslims will host iftars (the breaking of the fast) and suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) during Ramadan. If you are asked to join, be sure to bring a gift – such as food, drinks, or iftar/suhoor items.
Eid al-Fitr is the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time for joy, feasting, and celebration. Many Muslims will dress in their best clothes and visit friends and family members. Gifts are often given to children, and special sweets are eaten.
Eid can last anywhere from three to 5 days, depending on which country you are in. It is a time of great joy and happiness, and is considered one of the two most important holidays in Islam (the other being Eid al-Adha).
While Ramadan and Eid are exciting times to be in the Middle East, they are also times you should not count on getting major decisions made. Instead, focus on the corporate and organisational aspects of your business that you might not usually have time for - like research and development, strategic planning, employee growth, and so on - and plan ahead to ready yourself for business as usual after Eid before the heat of the summer descends upon the region.
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Ramadan Mubarak!