A Guide to. Ramadan In the UAE

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1 A Guide to Ramadan In the UAE

2 What is Ramadan? The Islamic year has twelve lunar months, totaling 355 days. Each month starts on a new moon. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The Islamic New Year advances by 10 days per year. Ramadan begins about 10 days earlier each year This year in 2017, Ramadan is expected to begin around May 27 and to end around June 26 (depending on the moon sighting). What is special about Ramadan? According to tradition, it was during Ramadan that the Archangel Gabriel selected Muhammad to receive and speak the words of Allah which are preserved to this day as the holy Quran. Thus, in Islam, the Quran is especially sacred as the direct word of God. (The classical Arabic of the Quran is of a higher, more complex, form than the Arabic of modern books and newspapers). Greetings to use in the Holy Month Ramadan Kareem Happy Ramadan Ramadan Mubarak Ramadan Saeed Siyaman Makbulan

3 What happens during Ramadan? All residents of the UAE must respect the month of Ramadan, which means adopting the rules in public places during daylight hours. During Ramadan most Muslims will tend to wake up just before dawn and the first prayers to eat a meal, this is known as Suhoor. They will then fast until after the sunset prayer when it is traditional to break the fast with a date and then eat, this meal is known as Iftar. Within the faith, exceptions are made for the old and infirm, young children, pregnant and nursing mothers. Throughout Ramadan, families get together to share food and company in the evenings and night-time, and the emphasis is always on reflection, prayer and charity. Living in the UAE during Ramadan Ramadan is enshrined in law here in the UAE. It is not simply a religious option. You are not obliged to fast, but you are required to respect the traditions. Here are some tips to ensure you respect this Holy time: Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours, this applies while in a mode of transportation like a car or bus. Take a good breakfast in the privacy of your home before venturing out for the day. If you need to take lunch, take a packed lunch and find a private place to eat it. Don't snack in public. Avoid coffees, sweets, gum, etc. during the day. Be careful on the roads! Around sunset, the roads are full of people rushing home to break their day-long fast with their families. Many are dehydrated and very tired. All members of society are expected to dress conservatively, women making special efforts to limit the amount of make-up worn and cover arms, legs and shoulders. No music or dancing is allowed during Ramadan, turn your car stereo down and be mindful about playing tunes loudly even in the comfort of your own home.

4 Tips on fasting Sometimes, non-muslims living in the Gulf States may choose to fast during Ramadan, either as a token of respect or in some cases simply because of circumstances. If you are not used to fasting but decide to try it, the following suggestions may help: 1. For your pre-dawn meal, choose slow energy release foods like pasta, rice or whole meal bread. Avoid empty calories (sugar and sweets) and avoid fried or heavily salted foods that will make you thirsty all day. Drink plenty of water with this meal. 2. During the day, unless you wish to be very strict with yourself as a discipline, drinking water is better for your health than doing without, especially in hot countries. Dehydration is not good for the body. 3. When you break your fast at sunset, take a little fruit and water first (dates are traditionally served) to take the edge off your hunger. Then take dinner later in the evening. 4. Go to bed early as you will be rising early to eat. Sleep deprivation has no health advantages! Dress Code Please remember to dress modestly and respect UAE customs and culture during Ramadan, including when visiting the school. Men and women should display modesty and ensure that knees and shoulders are covered, be aware of necklines and wear loose fitting clothing. Pashminas are great for covering up.

5 The School Day during Ramadan adan 2017 All students will continue to attend school during Ramadan with special arrangements put in place to support those who are fasting. Lessons will continue as normal within the shorter day. Please ensure that you notify your child s class teacher/form tutor if your child(ren) are fasting. School timings School hours will be 8.15am pm. School starts at 8:15am. Gates will open at 8:00am, with Primary students lining up in the playground as usual. No National Anthem will be played outside. School finishes at 1:45pm, with 1:30pm pick up for FS1 & FS2. Gates will open at 1:45pm (1:30pm for FS1 & FS2). School buses will operate according to these timings and leave school at 2.00pm. For those who use the school buses we ask that parents ensure that a responsible adult is at home to receive students for the earlier bus drop off time. There will be no late pickup during this period, so please ensure your child is collected on time. Breaks and lunches There will be designated eating areas for Primary & Secondary Students. As per Ministry of Education law, breaks will be shortened, and designated classrooms will be assigned for non-fasting students to eat and drink in during break times. The canteen will be closed so non-fasting students will need to bring their food to school with them.

6 PE and music lessons Fasting students will be exempt from PE lessons and can also be requested to be exempt from Music lessons. Access to water Water will be readily available on the ground floor and in the outside play areas for all younger students, and in several designated areas in the upper primary and secondary part of the school. As a mark of respect to fasting students and staff please remember there should be no eating or drinking in the public areas of school. We appreciate the sacrifice and commitment that many people undertake at this time of year. Thank you to all parents and students for supporting the school and all members of the community during the Holy Month.

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