Traveling during Ramadan requires being aware of its customs, which differ from country to country. Non-Muslim visitors don’t have to fast but should respect local customs.
Roads will become congested at iftar time, while restaurants may close or require you to dine behind curtains.
Accommodation
Ramadan is one of the holiest months on the Islamic calendar, serving as an opportunity for prayer, reflection and charity as well as fasting. Starting this year on March 23rd at sunset until Eid al-Fitr – a three day festival marking our renewed commitments both with God and with each other – Ramadan offers us an opportunity to renew commitments made both individually and as a group.
Muslim travellers typically spend the holiday with family, attending religious services and gatherings at mosques with open prayer facilities, tents set up for free meals, or hosting public iftar meals. After fasting during the day, families typically gather later that night to feast at these events, commonly known as Iftar and running until late into the night.
While traveling during Ramadan, it is essential to observe local religious and cultural sensitivity. If you aren’t fasting yourself, avoid eating or drinking around people who are fasting; consult local experts about public holidays and business closures; be mindful of crowds and traffic before embarking on any excursions.
Employers should be prepared for an increase in accommodation requests from Muslim employees during Ramadan. While everyone’s experience will differ, many employees will require greater flexibility with their work routine or extra breaks – research has demonstrated that when employers provide these accommodations their employees become more productive and engaged at work.
Food
Ramadan traditions vary depending on which culture observes Islam. Families and regions can opt for pre-dawn meals while others provide light fast-breaking dishes – but one thing remains consistent throughout: FOOD! Restaurants and cafes stay open all night to offer diners something delicious to snack on during this festive month – giving rise to an evening food culture!
While there are plenty of traditional food offerings to try during a fast, it is important to remember that fasting is about more than simply eating: It is about spending quality time with family, friends and neighbours and helping those in need.
Harira is an extremely nutritious Moroccan dish which combines chickpeas and lentils with chicken or lamb, served over rice for an exquisite combination of textures. It is deliciously light and creamy with citrus notes; making it a fantastic vegetarian- or even vegan-friendly meal option!
At Eid al-Fitr, mansaf is another popular dish served. This hearty stew features lamb cooked in a salty cheese broth called jameed and served with flatbread known as mansaf for easy eating with either the right hand or cutlery.
Ramadan offers plenty of sweet treats, but for optimal nutrition it is wise to opt for healthier options like wholegrain breads and smoothies. Kheer is another protein-rich North Indian rice pudding spiced with cardamom.
Transportation
Public buses may be limited during the day and airports can become overcrowded, making booking ahead important. A mudik or “sleep-in” taxi offers an affordable alternative which is less hectic and provides more time with your local guide. This option has become very popular for travellers seeking a smooth journey without driving hassles during this period.
Ramadan won’t drastically alter your experience on an all-inclusive tour or guided trip where activities and meals are prearranged; you will still get to visit many of the country’s iconic sites while getting to see how its residents live their daily lives.
Small Moroccan towns can feel deserted during Ramadan afternoons; streets are generally quiet and shops remain closed; however, this is not the case in larger cities where night owls make an impactful statement until suhoor time when fasts are broken.
Muslims commemorate Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan as a three-day holiday where family can get together to share meals and take pleasure from each other’s company. About forty days later, Eid al-Adha takes place and involves more intimate celebrations focused on family ties and the offering up of sheep for sacrifice.
Activities
No matter whether it’s for family, school or office team-building activities during Ramadan are an enjoyable way to commemorate this holy month. Activities focused on compassion, generosity and good deeds promote empathy among participants while strengthening a sense of community among all parties involved and reinforce stronger ties between Muslim identity among children and young adults.
Ramadan provides an ideal opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. Sharing meals together is often one of the highlights of Ramadan for many families; teaching your children the value of family is another excellent opportunity during Ramadan.
Educational activities that can be used during Ramadan include food selection and health-related games, star and moon mobile crafts to explore lunar cycles, which Muslims use to establish new months – for instance they look out for crescent moons to start Ramadan!
Your kids can learn about Ramadan and Eid traditions through reading stories such as Rameena’s Ramadan, which follows a girl and her family through one month of fasting. Additionally, this book comes equipped with guided reading pack, talk cards and word mat as well as suggestions for sensory elements to support story-telling and sequencing skills.