Ramadan 2018 schedule
The holy month of Ramadan for Islamic community all around the world begins on May 17, as announced today. The date was made official by the moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia who met on Tuesday evening, as they were not able to see the Ramadan 2018 crescent yet on that day. The Taraweej prayers however will be held on May 16, Wednesday.
The date of Ramadan always remains the same in the Islamic calendar which is based lunar sightings, but varies in the Gregorian calendar which is regarded as solar-based. This difference in basis makes Ramadan schedule in the Gregorian calendar always varying by 10 to 11 days every year.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month-long tradition observed by Muslims to remember the period that they believe God has revealed to Prophet Muhammad the first few chapters of Quran. According to Islamic beliefs, it was the time that the gates of heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed. Muslims spend the whole month of Ramadan with fasting while the sun is up. They can only eat during pre-dawn which is called suhoor, the fast is broken during dusk called the iftar, which begins with by drinking water and eating dates.
Aside from abstaining from food and water, devout Muslims are also expected to refrain from any sexual activity, smoking, and even negative thoughts. At the end of the Ramadan period, Muslims believe that strictly obeying these rules would make them pure and self-controlled, resulting to a closer relationship with Allah. Attendance to prayer gatherings, reading Quran verses and involving in charitable work are also practiced by many Muslims during this special time of the year.
While fasting is highly expected for Muslims during Ramadan, not everyone is required to fast. The exceptions include young children, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, menstruating women, the elderly and Muslims with certain health conditions.
Ramadan 2018 work timings and school schedule
Traditionally, during this holy month the UAE government adjusts the work timing both for the public and the private sector. The Federal Authority for the Government Human Resources have ruled that working hours in UAE during Ramadan will be from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, while work timings for the private sector have been shortened by two hours.
Free Parking during Iftar schedule in Dubai
Paid parking schemes will be lifted in Dubai, that means you can park your car free during the ceremonial meal schedule which usually begins at 7:00 pm. However, paid parking will still be operational from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am during Ramadan. The Tecom area will still apply tariff rates from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, whereas multi-level parking areas will retain their original fees the whole day.
Transportation timings for Ramadan 2018
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the timings of its transport services will also be adjusted during Ramadan as well. From Saturday to Wednesday, metro train service will be operational on both the lines from 5:00 am to 12:00 am. During Thursdays, the services will be extended 1:00 am (the next day). During Fridays, the train stations will open at 10:00 am and close at 1:00 am.
On the other hand, metro link bus stations at Rashidiya, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, Burj Khalifa, Abu Hail, and Etisalat will begin to be in service from 5:00 am to 12:20 am.
Ramadan greetings
If you wish to greet someone during the Ramadan period, the most common and appropriate greetings would be “Ramadan Kareem” which means “Have a generous Ramadan”. Another way to greet is “Ramadan Mubarak” which means “Happy Ramadan” in English. During Eid-al-Fitr which signifies the end of Ramadan, greetings change to “Eid Mubarak”.
As we observe this Islamic holy month, Dxboffplan.com wishes you a generous Ramadan!
