Ramadan

We are well into the month of Ramadan here in the Magic Kingdom.  It started on August 11 and lasts until September 9.  Just as I was getting used to everything, Ramadan changes it all.  Here are some interesting facts about Ramadan for those of you who are wondering what the heck I'm talking about:


-starts in the 9th month of the Hijri calendar at the spotting of the new moon
-it is one of the 5 pillars of Islam
-special month of fasting, repentance, increased prayer, increased charity
-muslims fast from day break to sunset; this includes water, gum, cigarettes...anything that touches the mouth
-there are a few exempt: pregnant women, children under 10, elderly, sick


These are just a few of the basics of Ramadan.  There are many activities that go along with it as well.  At sunset after the prayer around 6pm Muslims have an "Iftar" party which is arabic for breaking fast. It is at this time of day that you do NOT want to be on the roads!  They drive like crazy on a normal basis and when you add no food or drink all day and that they are headed to a party the craziness triples.  


What does this mean for us?  We are not allowed to eat or drink in public during the day which makes long shopping trips a little more difficult.  It's hard to go all the way to Khobar and not be able to take a lunch break at a restaurant.  Also, all of the store hours have changed.  The average times are now open around 12:00pm and stay open until 5:00pm.  Then the workers get a break for Iftar and the stores open back up around 8:00pm and stay open until 2-3 am!  


Once Ramadan is over the muslims have a celebration time called the "Eid".  They typically have a huge Eid-ul Fitr which is a feast to mark the end of Ramadan.  I can't wait for the feast!