What after Ramadan?

Ramadan ends after 29 or 30 days. Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of Ramadan and it is considered a public holiday period. The government will announce the exact holiday dates nearer the time.

Do non-Muslims have to fast?

No. While Muslims don’t expect non-Muslims to fast as well, it remains important to show respect and follow basic etiquette in daily behaviour.

Basic Ramadan etiquette

1. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during the fasting hours. This includes chewing gum.
2. Do not engage in public displays of affection, like hugging or kissing.
3. Do not engage in any aggressive behaviour.
4. Do not dance or play music in public. You may listen to music quietly with headphones.
5. Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public. Dress respectfully. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless tops, while women should cover their shoulders and knees.
6. Do not swear.
7. Accept gifts, from a simple date to something more exotic, try to politely accept it. Further, if invited, it would always be an honour to join someone at Iftar.
8. The penalty for not following the above etiquette can vary, with community service normally being favoured.

Where can you eat, drink, or smoke?

If you are not fasting, then you are free to eat and drink in the privacy of your own home, as well as in designated areas. Ask your employer where you can eat your lunch. The same goes with smoking.

Some restaurants and cafes will be open during the day. You are free to frequent these. Food can be taken away and consumed in private.

When to perform Tahajjud prayer during Ramadan?

Everything else

Work hours

The standard work-day is reduced by two hours for all employees across all sectors, regardless of whether you are observing Ramadan or not.

Metro timings

Usually, metros on the red and green lines start at 5.30am for Ramadan with the last trains at 12am on weekdays. The train service is also usually available from 10am on Fridays and 5.30am on Saturdays ending at 1am on both days.

*This information is yet to be confirmed and is based on last year's timings. We will be publishing and updating this as soon as it is announced by RTA.

Grocery shopping

Supermarkets and groceries are open as usual, and you are free to do your weekly shop as normal.

Driving

There’s no denying the fact that driving during the day, particularly between 5pm and Iftar, is hazardous. Some fasting taxi drivers may have been working longer than they should have been and as a result they may be dehydrated and lacking the ability to concentrate properly. Only drive in the afternoons if you absolutely have to.

Booking a taxi

If you are heading out around the Iftar time, then be advised that booking a taxi may not be so easy. A lot of drivers will be breaking their fast, so availability may be difficult.

Going out for dinner

If you are planning on going out for Iftar then you should book a table in advance. Restaurants are understandably busy during Ramadan evenings.

Going to the mall

A lot of businesses change their hours for Ramadan. Malls remain generally open during the day and stay open later than usual – with the exception of food courts and restaurants. Some restaurants may remain open, but this will seldom be advertised.

Going to a bar

Bars generally open from around 7pm, and close earlier than usual. There will be no live music, but live sport on TV will still generally be shown.

Give to charity

Ramadan is a charitable time, and giving to those less fortunate will be greatly appreciated. It doesn’t have to be money, but perhaps food for Iftar. 

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