Kareem Guide

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is an important period of religious significance Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the for Muslims who observe the period with daytime fasting, Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day. Muslims worship and spiritual contemplation. For over one billion follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the

What is the religious meaning of Ramadan?

Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, takes place during the no eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual contact during ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It’s a time for daylight. In addition, Muslims must show greater worship and contemplation, Ramadan marks the day the sympathy for the needy and poor. Fasting plays a key role Koran was sent down from Heaven via the angel Gabriel in accomplishing these goals by allowing for greater to Prophet Muhammad. To allow for complete devotion to concentration on the spiritual, generating empathy for the their faith, Muslims must abide by stringent rules from hungry and cleansing the body of overindulgence dawn until sunset for the entire month. Fasting includes

Why do Muslims fast?

The fasting of Ramadan is believed to improve the Fasting is also considered as a method of self-purification physical and mental health. It gives a rest for the stomach, by cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a which is working 24 hours a day for eleven months and short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with has been proven to be a good method of losing extra those who go hungry. It also teaches the meaning of self- weight. The month feels like going “into maintenance” control, patience, unselfishness, moderation, will power, and is almost like charging one's batteries for the rest of discipline and social belonging. the year. It is also a break from the routine of modern life.

Do people normally lose weight during Ramadan?

Some people do lose weight, but others may not. It is recommended that meals eaten during Ramadan be light, but most people can't resist sampling special sweets and foods associated with Ramadan.

Did you know?

The rulers in various emirates pardon a number of prison are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during inmates on the first day of Ramadan. Some are also the month of Ramadan. However, as a sign of respect to released for the month of Ramadan to spend time with the host country, guests are asked to refrain from their family. Islam is a tolerant religion and respects consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).

Suhoor

Suhoor is the meal in the early morning hours, just before sunrise - it is usually a light meal. It is a blessing and hence recommended but not essential.

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Iftar is an term meaning breaking the fast festive with larger meals enjoyed amongst friends and immediately after the sunset. Iftar is a light snack family in the homes and Ramadan tents. In line with the consisting of dates or desserts, along with liquids, such as spiritual meaning of the Ramadan Kareem experience water, juice or milk. Just after the sun sets, a cannon is there will be no alcoholic beverages served during meals fired to announce the breaking of the fast for the day. as well as in the hotel. Traditionally later in the evening is when it becomes more

Ramadan tent

In keeping with true Arabian heritage, a large tent is Traditional cuisine and beverages are generously offered. erected at an outdoor location. Persian carpets, large Most locations also play traditional music and provide pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to shisha pipes (water pipes) to add to the enjoyment of a experience true Arabian hospitality in the evenings. truly Arabian evening.

Arabic cuisine

Arabic cuisine has its roots in tent cookery. Nomadic greatest influence on modern Middle Eastern cuisine, in no tribes could use only transportable foods such as rice and small part due to the entrepreneurship of the Lebanese. dates, or ambulatory stock like sheep and camels in their Hospitality in the Arab world is second to none, and recipes. As the caravans journeyed throughout the Middle nowhere is it better expressed than in the age-old custom East, new seasonings and vegetables were discovered and of serving freshly-brewed coffee or mint tea to every added to the existing repertoire. Each new discovery was guest, whether the gathering is business or social. incorporated into the diet in quantities palatable to a particular tribe - a fact that many cooks believe is The foreigner who takes time to learn and experiment responsible for the anomalies found in some Arabic with this excellent cuisine will be immediately won over dishes today. and rewarded with many wonderful surprises. Arabic food can rival any international gastronomy for originality and The nomadic Bedouin influence is broadened by other good taste, and, because it basically comprises of simple, cuisines from the Arab world, notably from Syria, , natural and easily digested foodstuffs, it ranks high in Palestine and , resulting in a highly diverse food and nutritional value with today's fitness-conscious society. drink culture. Lebanese contributions have been the

What should I wear?

It is encouraged to wear conservative clothing during the sand storms, and its end can be twisted up like a turban if month of Ramadan as a sign of respect. If you wish to the wearer is doing manual work. enhance even deeper into the tradition then you are Muslem woman wear Abaya that covers her body from the welcome to wear the traditional wear. shoulders down to her feet. Abayas usually come in black Most Emirati men wear a Dishdasha or Kandoura, a floor color. Some women would wear the Abaya without the length robe with a center robe opening. Because it is so head and face cover, while others might wear a scarf-like well suited to the climate this basic garment has changed cover called "Hejab" that covers the hair but not the face. little in the last few hundred years. Men wear white or Should you wish to wear your traditional Arabic clothing cream Dishdasha, with matching Ghutras. The three part our tour guide will show you how to apply the head scarf headdress (Ghutra) is also functional. It provides shade and wear it comfortably all day long. during summer, it can be wrapped across the face during

3 What will you learn on your journey through the Cultural Awareness Programs?

Your Ramadan Kareem experience would not be Topics that will be discussed include: complete without a clear understanding of why, how and † In-depth cultural awareness and understanding of the what, therefore we will join a beautiful Cultural impact of cultural differences Awareness expert to tell you more about the culture and † The opportunity to enhance cultural sensitivity and what is behind all the tradition. competence

† The /Gulf society before discovery of oil (the During an interactive presentation that will provide oasis trading & pearl diving era) knowledge on the history and background of the United † Key influences of the Gulf Culture Arab Emirates you will get to understand the social codes † Islam in focus of the Arabian Gulf while building bridges between † Ramadan cultures. † The culture - core cultural values

About His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi

HH Sheikh Abdul Aziz is a member of the UAE's nobility. Acquired the nickname 'the green Sheikh of the Emirates', His uncle, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, is the a title noteworthy for the fact that below the surface of the ruler of Ajman, one of the seven Emirates that make up Emirates lies one of the world's largest oilfields. His the country. After attending the royal Military Academy primary job however is that of CEO of the brokerage firm Sandhurst, Sheikh Abdul Aziz studied in Australia, Al Safwa. Beyond that, he's very much involved in his graduating with a doctorate degree in Cleaner Production charity organization Al Eshan, which is very close to his and Industrial Ecology. On returning to the United Arab heart. Anyone who spends a day or evening with Sheikh Emirates, he completed a Master of Science degree in Abdul Aziz supports his charity organization, to which he Environmental Services. His role include acting as an donates all the proceeds. environmental advisor to this uncle, through which he has

The Charity Centre

In 1998 the Charity Center was formally founded in of all races and nationalities living in the UAE. Ajman by a proclamation from His Highness Sheikh One of the latest establishments they launched is “Al Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Supreme Ehsan Medical Complex”, where the poor are treated for a Council, Ruler of Ajman. Currently, the Center is under symbolic fee and the charity issues them free medicines the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin and offers a 50% discount on tests. The complex also Ali bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi, and management of His caters to the medical needs of the general public and Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al- referrals which includes medicines free of charge. The Nuaimi, whom you will be meeting on your last night in complex consists of several clinics, a clinical laboratory, a Ajman. diagnostic center, physiotherapy, a rehabilitation center The Charity Centre is housed in a small flat-roofed and a pharmacy. building in the city centre, set between faded grey Sheikh Abdul Aziz and his family are well off and want to skyscrapers. Adjacent to a prayer room is the health share some of their wealth with those who need help. He centre. In addition to medical services, Al Eshan grants learned this attitude from his parents and will pass it on credit to single mothers, who have been widowed or to his children, says Sheikh Abdul Aziz. abandoned by their husbands. These funds enable them to start their own business, in a spirit of helping the poor During our visit we will be part of the food distribution to to help themselves. This non-profit organization hundreds of unprivileged people and Iftar will be shared maintains a staff of 45 who are committed to meet the with them in the tent. This might be a very emotional essential needs of children and women without spouses experience where you will feel the spirit of Ramadan and within the UAE. As of now, some 1,300 households of the charity that's core part of it. single parents covering over 6,000 children are registered

4 Ramadan Glossary

† Adhan - call to prayer † Allah - God † Asr - mid-afternoon prayer † Dhuhur / Dhuhr / Zuhr - midday prayer † Eid Al Adha (Day of Sacrifice) - a 4 day festival that starts about 70 days after the end of Ramadan, commemorating Ibrahim / Abraham being ready to sacrifice his son. † Eid Al Fitr - a festival at the end of Ramadan (the first three days of the month of Shawwal) to celebrate the completion of the month of fasting. † Eid Mubarak - congratulations at the start of Eid † Fajr (dawn) - the first prayer of the day, at dawn † Fawanees - colorful lanterns used to decorate Iftar tents, the tradition originates in , Egypt, when residents walked out to the streets with lamps to welcome a new Fatimid ruler on the 5th day of Ramadan in the 9th century. † Iftar - the evening meal after sunset to break the daily fast during Ramadan † Imam - an Islamic religious leader † Imsak - beginning the daily fast, means the act rather than the time † Isha / Isha'a - evening prayer, the fifth and last prayer of the day † Kabaa / Ka'ba / Kaaba / Kabah - the black granite building inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, regarded as the holiest place in Islam. † Laylat Al Qadr or Lailat Al Qadr (Night of Power) - one of the last nights of Ramadan, marking the anniversary of when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) by the Angel Gabriel. † Maghreb / Maghrib - sunset prayer † Manara - minaret † Qibla - the direction of the Ka'ba in Mecca / Makkah † Quran / Koran - the holy book for Islam, first revealed during Lailat Al Qadr. Muslims recite the entire Quran during Ramadan. † Rak'ah / Raka / Rak'a / Rak'aa / Rakaa / - the cycle of standing, bowing, prostration and recitation that make up a unit of prayer. Each of the five daily prayer sessions consists of 2-4 Rakat / Raka'at (plural of Rak'ah). † Ramadan Kareem - Ramadan greetings (Kareem equivalent to Ramadan Mubarak - Ramadan greetings (Mubarak equivalent to "blessings"). Less common in Egypt, something to do with a gentleman called Hosni. † Salah / Salat - praying † Salat Al Jama'a - communal prayers † Sawm - abstinence or fasting † Suhoor - the morning meal taken before the sun rises and the start of † Shurooq - early morning prayer † Sunnah / Sunna - the way of the Prophet, meaning to follow his words and actions. Literally can be taken to mean custom, practice, or recommended. † Taraweeh prayers - special evening prayers during Ramadan, after Isha, when the Quran is recited. † Wudu - cleansing of the body when preparing for prayer † Zakat - giving alms. It is especially important for Muslims to give Zakat during Ramadan. † "generous", more common than ...

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