Top 5 tips for travel during Ramadan
Ramadan Mubarak! With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan
underway, now’s a good time to learn to say ‘Happy Ramadan!’ –
especially if you’re considering travel at the end of July or during
August to countries with majority Muslim populations, like indonesia, Egypt, turkeyand Morocco. With a few pointers, you can join a happy Ramadan already in progress.
1. Know the basics
Ramadan is a lunar month dedicated to
sawm, or fasting, one
of the five pillars of Islam. From sun-up to sun-down, the faithful
abstain from food, drink, tobacco and sex to concentrate on spiritual
renewal. After sunset, there’s a euphoric
iftar, or meal, to break the fast, followed by a late-night feast and
sahur,
a meal before the sun comes up and fasting begins again. Yet Ramadan
isn’t all daytime discipline and nightly parties: it’s a time of
generosity and
zakat, or charity, another of the five pillars
of Islam. Fasting isn’t easy, so everyone slows down during the day –
but you’ll also notice people going out of their way to extend small
kindnesses.
2. Plan ahead
Like any holiday, Ramadan affects business as usual. Many venues
operate with limited hours and staff, so try to book accommodation,
transport and tours via internet or phone before you arrive. Even if
offices have posted hours, call ahead to ensure someone’s available to
meet your needs. Most restaurants close by day, so pack lunches or
reserve ahead at restaurants that open for lunch in tourist areas.
3. Shift your schedule
Nightly festivities trump early bedtimes during Ramadan. Sunset
streets come alive with light displays, music and offers of sweets at
every intersection. After an
iftar of dates, soup or savoury
snacks, people of all ages binge on sweets until the late-night feast –
followed by more visits and sweets, until wired kids finally wear
themselves out. There’s no rush to get up the next day, unless shopping
is on the agenda. Stores often close in the afternoon, and bargaining
is more pleasant before midday heat kicks in and lack of water is felt.
As sundown approaches, the mood turns upbeat, with Ramadan finery on
display and tantalising aromas filling the streets.
4. Get into the Ramadan spirit
Don’t worry: you won’t be expected to fast during Ramadan. According
to tradition, even Muslim travellers are exempt from fasting – it’s hard
to do at home under controlled conditions, let alone in unfamiliar
places. To show your support, avoid eating or drinking on the street in
front of people who are probably fasting, and grant people privacy at
prayer times.
5. Accept hospitality
When a new friend offers you special Ramadan sweets or invites you to
a family feast, polite refusal would be crushing. You’re not obliged to
return the favour or eat the sweets: you honour givers just by
accepting their generosity in the spirit of Ramadan. Kindness can be
repaid by practising
zakat, and giving to a local charity.
